Buying a new home is a big deal. For many homeowners, it's one of the most important decisions they ever make. When it comes to such a substantial choice, there are a lot of factors to consider, like:
Getting the answers to those questions can be hard but finding a trustworthy manufactured home company can be even more challenging. Sure, you could settle for a fly-by-night company or a shady mobile home dealer. But if you're like most folks, you want to work with a reliable company that has been in business for years. You need a team of professionals who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and sell you a quality home that will keep your family safe and sound.
Welcome to Ken-Co Homes Inc. - your premier choice for mobile home sales in Darlington, SC. Ken-Co Homes has been Lake City's go-to manufactured home since 1974. With several locations in South Carolina, we're the first choice for manufactured homes in the state. As longtime locals in the community, we pride ourselves on honesty, hard work, and running a manufactured home business that you can count on.
There's no secret sauce that makes Ken-Co Homes successful. We work hard, sell the finest Clayton, Destiny, Scotbilt, Homes, and treat our customers like we would like to be treated. That's why, when you meet our team for your home tour, you'll be treated with respect and greeted with a warm smile. Whether you have questions regarding financing or the fit and finish of a floorplan, we'll maintain that same level of kindness, courtesy, and honesty. That way, you know for sure that you have invested in a top-notch manufactured home that your family will love.
Unlike other manufactured home dealers, we have a full selection of Clayton Homes for sale with attractive floor plans to fit your unique lifestyle. When you choose Ken-Co Homes, you're also choosing:
We offer our valued customers a $500 guarantee that we will meet or beat ANY competitor who has a lower price on one of our homes with the same options. Don't believe us? Contact our office today!
With decades of combined experience, our team has the tools and know-how to make your buying process smooth and stress-free.
Buying a home can be challenging, especially with travel logistics and other factors at play. Our team can help answer any questions you have about buying a home and transporting it to a park or piece of private land.
When you buy from Ken-Co Homes, you're investing in a high-quality product that your family will love for years to come. With more than a dozen home choices, you're sure to find a new home that matches your lifestyle.
We'll work with you one-on-one to ensure you get the home of your dreams. If you have questions or concerns once you move in, give us a call - we're here to help.
We offer detail-oriented, experienced set-up crews that make living life in your new home easy and efficient.
At Ken-Co Homes, we offer flexible financing options to help make buying your dream home a reality.
Whether you're looking for a smaller two-bedroom manufactured home or a large, luxurious four-bedroom manufactured home, our friendly consultants are ready to help you build the home of your dreams.
"Is there a difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?" is one of the most common questions we get online and in person. Today, many people use mobile home and manufactured home interchangeably. That's understandable because both types of homes share similar features and benefits for homeowners. However, understanding the minor differences can be valuable when searching for a new place to call home.
Unlike site-built homes, manufactured homes are built in a factory. Once completed, they're shipped to a specific location where the homeowner will live. The term "manufactured home" refers to any factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976. That date is when the HUD or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented guidelines centered around manufactured home construction.
HUD code requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a base frame with wheels with a minimum of 320 square feet.
Thanks to fast build times and lower material costs, manufactured homes for sale in Darlington, SC is often more cost-effective for home buyers. Compared to traditional site-built homes, many manufactured homes can be up to 35% less than more traditional houses.
Any mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, are considered manufactured homes today, though many people use the term mobile home casually. In the past, these homes were used to travel and were more like the expensive RVs that people use today than true manufactured homes. Back then, mobile homes received a bad reputation due to poor build quality, but they've come a long way since that time. Today, mobile homes are safe, comfortable, and structurally sound, with many types of amenities and floor plans.
Manufactured homes are more popular in the U.S. than ever, and for good reason: prospective homeowners are looking for affordable, quality alternatives to traditional homes. That's especially true today, with inflation on the rise, necessitating more budget-friendly options for anyone who wants to put a roof over their heads.
If you're used to living in a traditional, site-built home, you may be wondering what the advantages are of buying a manufactured home. Here are just a few of the most common benefits of buying a manufactured home:
When you boil it down to the basics, buying a new home is all about the money. One of the most attractive reasons for buying a manufactured home is that they are often much less expensive than traditional site-built homes. Today, manufactured housing is considered a crucial part of the housing shortage solution and a viable option with inflation rising. According to statistics, the average square-foot cost of a site-built home is $107, while the average price is only $49 in a manufactured home. Whether you're sticking to a strict budget or your finances have changed due to poor economic conditions, going manufactured might be your best choice.
Owning a manufactured home gives the homeowner long-term living options. Because basic manufactured homes are usually very affordable, families with enough land can start with a small home and add additional units as their needs change. Manufactured homes are also great as starter homes, especially for families that plan on building a permanent structure on their land in the future. Though it could be logistically challenging, manufactured homes can also be moved to a different site if the initial one was on rented property.
Manufactured homes have received a bad rap over the last few decades. In reality, most manufactured homes are purpose-built for longevity with structural integrity. Every manufactured home built today is subject to the HUD code adopted in 1976. This code is the only federally-mandated code in existence. It was designed to ensure that manufactured homes meet strict standards regarding fire safety, structural design, energy efficiency, transportation to home sites, and overall construction. All manufactured homes sold in the U.S. have a permanent red seal to confirm they meet HUD standards.
When you buy a manufactured home, you may be able to move in faster than you would via traditional routes. Some manufactured homes are even move-in ready in less than 45 days. Compared to a traditional home, once a new manufactured home is built in the factory, buyers usually find that installation is a quick process. Once the manufactured home is delivered, utility work usually moves quickly, regardless of whether you're moving to a park or transporting your home to a piece of land. Before you know it, you're eating, sleeping, and enjoying life in your new manufactured home.
When asked about the pros and cons, many buyers cite energy efficiency as one of the most significant benefits of owning a manufactured home. In general, manufactured housing is more energy efficient than traditional because HUD mandates ensure that homes have high energy efficiency ratings.
These ratings are achieved through upgraded insulation installation, on-demand water heaters, and energy-efficient windows. These upgrades often make entire manufactured homes Energy Star certified. It's no surprise that manufactured homes are 27% more efficient than they used to be with other additions like energy-saving appliances in kitchens and bathrooms.
If you've ever lived in an apartment complex before, chances are you heard sounds and noises through your walls that you never wanted to hear. If you hate hearing your neighbors and despise thin walls, looking for mobile home sales in Darlington, SC is a great idea. Why? Manufactured homes are typically built using separate modules, which reduces sound transference from room to room. When two or more modules are combined and insulated separately, buyers enjoy an even quieter, stronger home with less outside noise.
If there's one disappointing aspect of manufactured homes, the stigma seems to surround them. Yes, mobile homes from 30 or more years ago aren't exactly marvels of construction and deserve to be criticized. However, modern manufactured homes are cut from a different cloth and are often every bit as safe and luxurious as site-built homes.
Here are some of the most common (and annoying) mobile home myths debunked:
Modern manufactured homes are factory-built homes crafted with quality materials that meet comprehensive federal construction and safety standards. These standards, called the "HUD Code," outline how the homes must be built, including safety guidelines. For example, manufactured home builders must take strict measures to ensure their homes are resistant to wind. In terms of hurricanes and tornados, having such measures in place can prevent a tragedy from happening.
The bottom line is that manufactured homes are plenty safe and provide a quality product to people who want a lower-cost option over traditional housing.
One of the most repeated myths surrounding manufactured homes is that they are in poor shape and have an overall poor quality. Today, many manufactured homes are built with quality materials and care. It's not unusual to find a manufactured home with luxurious amenities and features lie state-of-the-art kitchens, high-end appliances, and chic open floor plans. At Ken-Co Homes, we can provide you with a complete list of available upgrades and amenities for you to enjoy in your new home.
Perhaps it's due to their popularity and lower prices, but we often hear that it's hard to find manufactured homes for sale. As seasoned home dealers, we can say this is categorically false. Whether you head over to Google and search for "mobile homes near me in Darlington, SC," or simply head to Ken-Co Homes' website, you'll see plenty of homes to choose from. Contact our office today for a full list of our homes for sale!
When it comes to home prices in today's day and age, manufactured homes are among the most affordable options available.
That's because manufactured homes cost less to construct than site-built homes, with the average price costing $92K for new construction and $60K for a pre-owned manufactured home, according to recent data. The cost of a traditional home is much higher, with an average of $408K, according to Statista data from 2021. Even though manufactured home living costs change depending on the community, they're often much less expensive than their site-built cousins in the long run.
This myth parallels the stereotype that manufactured homes are cheap and poorly built. Unfortunately, many people still believe that living in a manufactured home community isn't safe. They think that the parks are run down and riddled with reprobates. In reality, many manufactured home parks mimic gated communities with 24-hour security and mandated quiet hours. Some manufactured home neighborhoods even offer community-wide amenities like spas and pools. If you're a fan of the gated community lifestyle but don't want to pay hundreds of thousands for a site-built home, a manufactured home community could be your best bet.
Are you giving serious thought to buying a manufactured home for sale in South Carolina? You're not alone - more than 365K people in the Palmetto State live in manufactured homes. At Ken-Co Homes Inc., we're not your average run-of-the-mill manufactured home dealer. We only do business with manufacturing partners committed to building top-quality products that our customers are proud to own.
If you're looking for modern amenities, energy-efficient appliances, unique floorplans, and homes constructed with quality materials, Ken-Co Homes is the company for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our beautiful Clayton homes for sale in Darlington, SC.
FLORENCE – Counties in South Carolina’s northeastern region reported more than 1 billion dollars in new investment with over 2,400 jobs created.“This has been a monumental year of announcements, job creation and developing projects for our region,” said Yancey McGill, a former S.C. lieutenant governor and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) executive committee chairman, “We are excited to see the amazing opportunities these announcements provide and the high potential for further growth and developmen...
FLORENCE – Counties in South Carolina’s northeastern region reported more than 1 billion dollars in new investment with over 2,400 jobs created.
“This has been a monumental year of announcements, job creation and developing projects for our region,” said Yancey McGill, a former S.C. lieutenant governor and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) executive committee chairman, “We are excited to see the amazing opportunities these announcements provide and the high potential for further growth and development.”
According to NESA – the non-profit regional economic development group serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties – the region had a record year with over $1.106 billion in new investment in 2022, as well as the creation of 2,440 jobs.
The regional unemployment rate was 3.8% as of December 2022. The lowest recorded unemployment rate for the year was in April at 3.2% and the highest was in February at 5.2%. Up until October 2022, the region averaged around 320 initial unemployment claims per week and a total of 13,471 claims were made. Employment in the NESA region at the end of December was at 316,088 which represented a 0.6% increase from December 2019.
Regionally, there were 15 announcements: seven were existing industry expansions and eight were new locations.
“There were many exciting announcements throughout the year in 2022,” McGill said. “We want to congratulate and commend each of these companies for making investments in our communities. To everyone, particularly the economic developers and county leaders, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these projects to fruition, we want to thank each and every one of you.”
“We are thrilled to welcome companies like Envision AESC and DC Blox that are bringing cutting-edge technology to the state of South Carolina and the NESA region,” McGill said. “Each company that either expanded or announced new investment are recognizing the opportunities here and the value of our hardworking people.”
Looking forward, McGill said he is optimistic about the year ahead.
“We will continue to proactively work with county economic developers, allied partners and entities at the state level to promote product development in the region,” he said. “We will continue to employ strategic recruiting initiatives and stay fully engaged to support each of our counties’ economic development efforts.”
McGill noted that the NESA staff provide tools to make it easier for searching and virtually touring available sites in the region. All of these tools, along with NESA’s 2022 Annual Report, can be found at nesasc.org. NESA had their annual meeting on February 9, 2023.
Williamsburg County updates and outlooks:
Population: 31,279
Unemployment rate: 5.3%
Average annual wages: $45,062
GDP: $679,602,000
2022 in review:
Hemingway Sewing Solutions, a textile products manufacturer, announced its plans to establish operations in Hemingway, S.C. in early 2022. The company’s $3.3 million investment will create 242 jobs.
Additionally, construction of the MUSC Health Black River Medical Center in Cades, S.C. was completed with diagnostic and treatment options that include CT, MRI, nuclear medicine and mammography.
The county also started construction on a 52,000-square-foot speculative building in the Williamsburg Cooperative Commerce Centre South, located on U.S. Highway 52 in Kingstree, S.C.
2023 expectations:
Moving forward, the Williamsburg County Economic Development Board will focus its efforts on expanding the county transit system to further aid local industry. The county is also managing several active projects with prospects from various sectors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Darlington County. To date, 13 people have been identified as part of this cluster.Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella and includes symptoms of fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches. People can get sick from Legionella by breathing in small particles of water containi...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Darlington County. To date, 13 people have been identified as part of this cluster.
Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella and includes symptoms of fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches. People can get sick from Legionella by breathing in small particles of water containing the bacteria. Legionella is not spread from person to person.
“The risk of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of Darlington is low,” said Dr. Abdoulaye Diedhiou, director of DHEC’s Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology. “Most people exposed to Legionella do not develop Legionnaires’ disease.”
People over the age of 50, especially those who smoke cigarettes and those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions are at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease.Those at higher risk of getting a severe infection should seek medical care early if they have the above symptoms. Health care providers should test for other causes of respiratory illness, including influenza, COVID-19, RSV and others as appropriate. Pneumonia caused by Legionella is treatable with antibiotics.
DHEC’s investigation includes efforts to determine the source of the disease cluster in the community. Investigations into these types of Legionnaires’ clusters are complex. It is often not possible to determine the origin of the bacteria that infected people. Water from cooling towers, hot tubs, misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems are possible sources of infection.
“We are actively investigating all potential sources,” Diedhiou said.
People concerned about their risk can protect themselves by avoiding breathing in water mists from human-made water systems. Everyone is encouraged to seek medical attention if they begin having symptoms of pneumonia.
For more information about Legionnaires’ disease, please visit the CDC Legionella webpage. Health care providers are also encouraged to read the DHEC Health Advisory regarding this cluster.
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Media Relations
Photos show the aftermath the day after a devastating fire that badly damaged O'Neals Body Shop and nearly a dozen vehicles on the property off Lamar Highway in Darlington County, South Carolina, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. (Credit: Tonya Brown)DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Ten cars, an office building and other priceless mementos were all destroyed Tuesday evening in a massive fire at a body shop in Darlington County.The incident occurred at O’Neal’s body shop in the 1300 block of Lamar Highway in Darlington ...
Photos show the aftermath the day after a devastating fire that badly damaged O'Neals Body Shop and nearly a dozen vehicles on the property off Lamar Highway in Darlington County, South Carolina, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. (Credit: Tonya Brown)
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Ten cars, an office building and other priceless mementos were all destroyed Tuesday evening in a massive fire at a body shop in Darlington County.
The incident occurred at O’Neal’s body shop in the 1300 block of Lamar Highway in Darlington County, according to the shop's owner, Jimmy O’Neal.
Viewer submitted video shows a major fire at a body shop off Lamar Highway in Darlington County, South Carolina on the night of Tuesday, May 2, 2023. (Credit: Viewer submitted)
O'Neal said he has owned the shop for more than four decades.
“I’ve been here 44 years. I help a lot of people. A lot of people help me. It works both ways. I’m not too sad," said O'Neal.
RELATED: 1 person injured from large fire at Darlington Co. body shop
Chief Ricky Flowers with the Darlington County Fire District said when they arrived on the scene, the building was engulfed in flames.
The fire is believed to have been started by employees working on a car. One employee suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment, said Flowers.
O'Neal said they were working on a fuel tank in a car when the fire started.
“We were putting a gas tank under a car. And the light fell over and ignited the gas tank," said O'Neal.
Traffic had to be rerouted as crews battled the fire.
Several people stopped by the shop Tuesday morning to see the aftermath of the fire, including O'Neal's lifelong friend, Randy Timmons. Timmons said to see all the damage is just heartbreaking.
“I just see a tragedy, tragedy. It’s terrible this happened, you know, to Jimmy. It’s bad, and Jimmy was good to people. Jimmy has been good to people. You can replace material things, you know. We just have to pray for him. I hate this happened. I been knowing Jimmy for a long time. My father passed in 2015. He knew Jimmy good and he and Jimmy were real good buddies. And it’s just terrible this happened," said Timmons.
NEW TODAY: SLED investigating child drowning incident in Darlington County
Shirley Graham is O'Neal’s cousin. She can't believe the shop is gone after 43 years.
“It’s really sad. He’s a good man. He always does people good. And it’s a shame this had to happen. Just pray for him that everything will work out. God has his plan," said Graham.
Viewer submitted video shows a major fire at a body shop off Lamar Highway in Darlington County, South Carolina on the night of Tuesday, May 2, 2023. (Credit: Viewer submitted)
O'Neal's wife said the shop was more like a second home to her. She would walk every day from their house next door to the shop to help her husband. She is just thankful their home didn't burn.
Jimmy O'Neal said he doesn't know what's next for him, but he plans to get back into the car business at some point.
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"It’s hard to describe. Really, I mean, you know, I lost everything. And it is what it is. And I’ll put my pieces together and move on. You know that’s all I can do," said O'Neal.
DARLINGTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fiber Industries, the largest domestic producer of high-quality polyester staple fiber, today announced the establishment of Darlington Green, a sustainability hub for textiles and...
DARLINGTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fiber Industries, the largest domestic producer of high-quality polyester staple fiber, today announced the establishment of Darlington Green, a sustainability hub for textiles and packaging manufacturing and related research, development, and innovation. The company also announced that it has rebranded as Darling Fibers, reflecting its industry leadership in sustainability efforts and support for the local community. Darling Fibers will anchor the Darlington Green hub.
“We are aligning our brand and purpose with our potential,” said Don Bockoven, CEO of Darling Fibers. “Our goal is to build on our rich heritage as an organization by fostering innovation and spurring productivity while preserving and enhancing the environment. We envision accelerating the growth and resilience of America’s textiles and packaging industries through collaboration and partnership.”
To chart a clear path for Darlington Green, Darling Fibers is reimagining its 765-acre campus as a hub for textiles and packaging innovation. As part of that process, Darling Fibers will take a lead role in forming an Advisory Board comprised of community and industry stakeholders, to establish a definitive mission and vision for the sustainability hub. Once operational, Darlington Green will bring together and leverage the power of textiles and packaging manufacturers, state and local governments, academic research institutions, technologists, entrepreneurs, and other interested parties to reinvigorate and advance sustainability efforts.
“Darlington Green is in active discussions with partners to co-locate manufacturing and pilot new products and emerging recycling technologies, harness our collective expertise and revitalize the U.S. polyester and plastic industry,” said George Bandy, Jr., Chief Sustainability Officer of Darling Fibers.
Rebranding to Darling Fibers
According to Bockoven, since restarting the former Wellman business in 2020, the company has retooled long-dormant manufacturing lines, reestablished industry relationships, and refined its strategy for high-quality low-carbon product development.
Today, Darling Fibers’ one-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art polyester manufacturing facility can process a range of raw materials through finished goods. While currently serving customers with existing inventory, Darling Fibers has been actively engaging new customers to further scale its production of polyester fiber and chip.
“More than 380 million tons of plastic waste was generated in the world last year and only 10 percent of that plastic was recycled, with the rest incinerated, landfilled or dumped in our oceans,” Mr. Bandy added. “We see Darling Fibers and Darlington Green as being at the forefront of finding solutions and capitalizing on opportunities presented by these profound challenges.”
About Darling Fibers
Darling Fibers (formerly Fiber Industries) is the largest domestic producer of high-quality polyester staple fiber for the fabric, garment, and fashion industry, with one million square feet of manufacturing capability across 12 lines on its 765-acre campus in Darlington. The company returned manufacturing to the U.S. through a restarting in 2020 and aims to be a pioneering force in the textiles and plastics industry through its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community. Learn more: darlingfibers.com.
In America, we celebrate freedom as often as we can with Juneteenth Freedom Day events last weekend and Independence Day celebrations starting this weekend and continuing through July 4.Freedom Fest in Darlington kicks off the festivities from 4 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Public Square presented by the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce. Amusement rides, petting zoo, food vendors, live entertainment, and, of course, fireworks to cap the evening. Free admission.Next weekend, several events extend the celebrati...
In America, we celebrate freedom as often as we can with Juneteenth Freedom Day events last weekend and Independence Day celebrations starting this weekend and continuing through July 4.
Freedom Fest in Darlington kicks off the festivities from 4 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Public Square presented by the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce. Amusement rides, petting zoo, food vendors, live entertainment, and, of course, fireworks to cap the evening. Free admission.
Next weekend, several events extend the celebration across the Pee Dee area.
The Fourth Annual Pee Dee Watermelon Festival: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence. Come hang out, get refreshed, and enjoy some good produce! There will be seed-spitting contests, watermelon-eating contests, watermelon tasting, and plenty of chances to win a watermelon.
7th Annual Kids Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1, in Downtown Camden. Decorate your bicycles, scooters, and wagons and wear those patriotic colors when you join us for pre-parade activities and a short program in front of Camden City Hall at 10:00 am. The parade starts at 10:30 am. This is a free event. For the safety of our young participants, motorized vehicles (electric or gas powered) are not allowed, and children 10 and younger must be escorted by an adult. Don’t forget to decorate your bicycle AND your helmet! Free snow cones will be available to all participants following the parade, courtesy of the Camden Fire Department. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to watch the parade by parking on Rutledge Street in your decorated golf cart. The parade is sponsored by Books on Broad and Coffee and the Downtown Camden Cultural District.
S.C. Army National Guard 246th Army Band: 3 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at the Sumter Opera House. The National Guard is a part-time component of the U.S. Army, serving both Federal and State missions. The band utilizes the full range of their members’ musicianship to play everything from ceremonial concert music and marches to rock, jazz, pop, big band, and brass band repertoire. Stationed at McEntire Joint National Guard Air Base near Columbia, SC, they travel around the state to play a wide variety of gigs. Come celebrate the Fourth of July in style with us!
Red, White, & Blue Picnic: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St., Darlington. Food, games, activities, singing, and great fellowship. Bring your family and a chair. Something for all ages.
Fourth of July Pickleball Fun Fest: 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Timrod Park in Florence presented by the Florence Pickleball Club. Open play starts at 9 o'clock. Food, fun, pickleball, and fellowship. Please wear red, white, and blue. Lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Fouth of July Picnic & Fireworks: 12 noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Pyerian Baptist Church, 2813 Pyerian Road, Latta. Games, Food, Fellowship & Fireworks at 9 p.m. Everyone welcome!
Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks Show: 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Mechanicsville Baptist Church, 2364 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington. Free family event. Softball game, water slides, fun, games, food, and great fellowship. We will close out the event with a big firework show at 9 o'clock!