News Summary
The Florence Wine & Food Festival is underway, celebrating the rich culinary culture of the area while raising funds for local children. This year’s festivities include celebrity chef Rodney Scott and local culinary talents showcasing their dishes. The event, which took place at the Florence County Complex, emphasizes the community’s commitment to culinary diversity and supporting local food initiatives.
Florence Wine & Food Festival Showcases Culinary Diversity and Benefits Local Children
Florence is buzzing with excitement as the Florence Wine & Food Festival kicks off a delightful weekend filled with culinary events! This annual gathering not only celebrates the rich food culture of the area but also raises funds for Help 4 Kids Florence, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food packs for children in public schools in Florence County.
Star Power on Display
This year, the spotlight was on none other than Rodney Scott, a James Beard Award-winning pitmaster and proud Pee Dee native. His presence at the festival drew in the crowd, and excitement filled the air as guests anticipated a weekend full of mouth-watering flavors and culinary inspiration. The Grand Tasting event took place on March 29, transforming the Florence County Complex parking lot into a haven for food lovers.
Entertainment made the Grand Tasting even more enjoyable, with local talents Keith McCullough and Sandy Nivens keeping the audience engaged while they enjoyed delicious food samples. This year’s set of judges included Tim Norwood, Rodney Scott, and Windell Hartfield, who were tasked with sampling an impressive array of dishes showcasing local culinary talents.
Homegrown Culinary Delights
Local foodies were in for a treat as Marvin Ross of Peculiar Pig Farm served up some samples that caught everyone’s attention. It was clear that the Grand Tasting was not just about food but also a celebration of local flavors and creativity.
Florence County Council Chairman, William Schofield, happily welcomed the festival’s headliner, Rodney Scott, setting a warm tone for what turned out to be a highly attended event, with hundreds of enthusiastic attendees gathering to sample the best the region has to offer.
Culinary Evolution in Florence
Florence’s food scene is evolving! Traditionally noted for its delicious chicken bog and whole hog barbecue, the city is embracing diversity, with local chefs striving to gain recognition for their unique culinary creations. Tim Norwood, a restaurant owner, has been a key advocate for this transformation for over 20 years.
Economic growth in the area is sparking a wave of culinary diversity, encouraging new restaurants to pop up all around the city. Popular dining spots now include fine dining at Victor’s, Hawaiian food at Aloha Kitchen, and hearty ramen at Heroes Hideout. Joining the mix is Elliott Moss, who recently opened Elliott’s BBQ Lounge, adding traditional Pee Dee flavors to the local culinary landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities
Though the culinary scene in Florence is flourishing, the smaller size of the city does present challenges, particularly in sustaining new restaurants and staffing them adequately. However, there is a growing interest among residents to expand the variety of cultural cuisines available.
The festival aims not only to highlight the impressive local food scene but also to strengthen the community and inspire the next generation to remain in Florence. Mark your calendars, as this lively celebration of food is set to take place next year on March 27-29, ready to showcase even more of Florence’s culinary talent.
As the festival wrapped up another successful year, it was evident that Florence’s food culture is not only thriving but transforming into a remarkable culinary destination worth exploring. With delicious offerings and a commitment to community growth, it’s clear that the Florence Wine & Food Festival serves as an essential platform in celebrating everything this vibrant city has to offer.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Seen on Scene Florence Wine and Food Festival
- Maxim: The Hottest Tasting Events at Miami’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival
- Eater: Best Food Festivals in North and South Carolina
- Garden & Gun: Florence Wine & Food Festival
- People: Food and Wine Classic Charleston Star Lineup
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
