Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Shines at 16th Annual Oyster Roast, Celebrating Community and Resilience

The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 16th Annual Oyster Roast last week, bringing together community members for a night of camaraderie, delicious food, and lively entertainment despite a rainy start and lingering mist. The event, a staple of the Chamber’s yearly programming, saw an impressive turnout, proving once again that the community’s support remains steadfast, rain or shine.

Chamber President and CEO Amanda Benfield shared her excitement about the event’s success, attributing the strong turnout to the deep-rooted tradition of the Oyster Roast in Laurens County. “The Oyster Roast has such a strong tradition in our community,” Benfield said. “I think that tradition alone brings people together, rain or shine. We have amazing support from our community members who look forward to this event each year. Plus, our team worked hard to ensure everything was comfortable and accessible, even in the mist!”

The event featured several standout moments, including a live broadcast by WYFF4’s Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus. Benfield highlighted the joy of seeing familiar faces and first-time attendees alike gather under the tents, enjoying the food and festivities. The appearance of local school mascots—Tiger, Cocky, and Scotty—added a fun element, while the live auction, hosted by Michael Buhrmaster and Jason Pridgens, and music by Brent Bagwell kept spirits high.

A Community Tradition and Ultimate Networking Opportunity

According to Benfield, the annual Oyster Roast is not only enjoyed for its unique combination of great food, friendly team rivalries, and the chance to catch up with friends but also serves as the ultimate networking event for Laurens County. “People often tell us it’s the mix of delicious oysters, the fun team rivalry, and the chance to connect with friends and business leaders that makes this event so special,” she shared. “It’s a time for the community to come together, and the fun-filled atmosphere keeps them coming back.”

With over 700 attendees this year, the event played a crucial role in supporting the Chamber’s ongoing projects. “The funds raised are crucial to the success of our Chamber,” Benfield explained. “These resources support our workplan and mission, allowing us to continue promoting, strengthening, and developing Laurens County through initiatives that connect organizations, support businesses, and build the community we serve.”

Rising to the Occasion with Teamwork

The weather posed a challenge during setup, but Benfield praised her team’s resilience and adaptability. “The rain delayed our setup, and we thought we were in the clear,” she said. “But when the showers surprised us, the team pulled together and stayed calm. Attendees came prepared with rain gear, and no one allowed the weather to dampen the mood.”

Reflecting on the event’s recurring weather challenges, Benfield noted that while 2023 was the only year with perfect weather, the team has learned to plan for all conditions. “We go into this event planning for rain or shine,” she said. “A rain date isn’t an option due to the amount of setup required, but the weather has added many good memories and stories to tell.”

Benfield expressed deep gratitude for the exceptional work of the Chamber Events Committee, highlighting the dedication and teamwork that made the Oyster Roast a success. Key contributors included Blake Davis from Laurens CPW, Chad Armstrong from Laurens Electric Co-op, Kimberly Kitchens with Servpro Newberry & Laurens Counties, Sharon O’Bryant from PRTC, and Matt and Jim Firmin of Firmin Ford. The Firmins have volunteered since the event’s inception, going above and beyond each year, preparing the full Lowcountry boil spread, sponsoring ice cream from The Front Porch Churn, and rallying a team of volunteers. Benfield emphasized that it was the tireless efforts of these committee members, along with the support of volunteers that brought the event together seamlessly.

Looking Ahead

As the tents were coming down from this year’s event, planning for the 17th Annual Oyster Roast begins – an effort that takes many months of preparation. Benfield and her team will continue their tradition of post-event review to help with planning. “Everything works well at this time, and I do not foresee major changes,” she noted. “We don’t want to outgrow our space or take away from the current highlights by adding too many activities.”

Benfield believes that events like the Oyster Roast are vital in fostering community connections and supporting local businesses. “This event is a showcase of what we do best – bringing together businesses, providing networking opportunities, and uplifting the community,” she explained. “It’s a chance for people to see the Chamber in action and recognize the role we play in uniting and strengthening Laurens County.”

For Benfield and the Chamber team, the success of the event goes beyond the numbers. “Seeing everyone come together, rain or shine, was a powerful reminder of the community’s spirit,” she reflected. “It’s incredibly rewarding and a testament to the impact we can achieve together. It reinforces why we do what we do.”

Until next year…

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