Book an Appointment
Classic Home Mortgage Providing Trustworthy Mortgage Guidance for Over 30 Years
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments that you will ever make. Like most good things, finding the perfect home comes with a lot of work. From your initial search online to your home tour and finally closing, there are many difficult decisions to make along the way. The bottom line is that the entire home buying process can be very stressful, especially when it comes to finding the right mortgage broker and loan for your new home. Since market conditions and mortgage programs change frequently, you have a lot riding on your broker's ability to provide quick and accurate financial advice. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or own several residential properties, you need a mortgage broker in Florence, SC, who can educate you on mortgage rates and provide trustworthy guidance to help you make an informed decision.
My name is Dan Crance - Florence's most trusted mortgage loan officer with more than 30 years in the mortgage industry. I bring unparalleled insight and decades of experience into your home loan process. If you're looking for a new home loan, are interested in refinancing your current mortgage, or need information regarding FHA, VA, or other types of loans, Dan Crance is Your Mortgage Man.
Unlike some mortgage loan officers in Florence, my primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage choice for you and your family. Mortgage lenders have a horrible reputation for turning over clients quickly to expedite cash flow and make the most money possible. While some mortgage brokers come off as pushy and impatient, I encourage my clients to take as much time as they need to ask questions and review their mortgage agreements. I'm here to help answer those questions and provide you with easy-to-understand advice so that you can rest easy knowing you made the right choice. I could say that I strive to provide service that exceeds your expectations, but I'd rather show you. In the end, I want you to leave feeling confident in the loan you've selected, as well as in your choice of broker.
Service Areas
Mortgage Services for Eric Gibson
Mortgage Broker for Kimberlee Puccio
Mortgage Company for Seth Seal
Refinancing for Rose Griest
Mortgage Lending Service for Michael McIntyre
Home Ready Mortgages for Ed Jones
Mortgage Lender for Ryan Moreau
Mortgage Services for Laura Fogarty
Mortgage Broker for Adam Jordan
Mortgage Company for Carolina Jordan (Lowcountry Home Sales)
Mortgage Lender for Stephen Lowe
Mortgage Lending Service for Glenn Shepard
Home Ready Mortgages for Manny Roblesreynoso
Mortgage Lender for Bernie H. Hester III
Mortgage Services for Tammy R Stephens
Why Choose Dan Crance As Your Mortgage Lender in Florence, SC?
Clients choose my mortgage company because I truly care about helping them navigate the often-confusing landscape of the mortgage process. I am fiercely dedicated to my clients and make every effort to provide them with trustworthy advice and an open line of communication.
In my business, I work for two different customers. On one hand, I have the buyer: the person entrusting me with the responsibility of guiding them through one of the most important decisions ever. Serving homebuyers is not a task that I take lightly. I work with them daily to help them through the process and provide timely updates and news on their mortgage status. On the other hand, I have the realtor: the person who works with my client to find their dream home. Since their commission is in my hands, working with realtors is also a very important task. I update these agents on the status of their customers weekly. Only when I take care of both parties can I say my job as a mortgage loan officer is complete.
As a mortgage broker with more than 30 years of experience, I pledge to give you the highest level of customer service while providing you with the most competitive loan products available. That way, you can buy the home of your dreams without second-guessing your decision.
Ask Dan Anything843-478-5612
Home Financing in Florence, SC
At Classic Home Mortgage, our team works diligently to close on time without stress or hassle. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or are buying your new home in Florence, we understand how much stress is involved. Our goal is to help take that stress off of your plate by walking you through every step of the home loan process. Because every one of our clients is different, we examine each loan with fresh eyes and a personalized approach, to find you the options and programs you need.
With over 30 years as a mortgage professional in Florence, Dan Crance will help you choose the home loan, interest rate, term options, and payment plans that fit your unique situation.
When you work with Classic Home Mortgage, you can always count on our team to:
- Put your needs first.
- Work efficiently and quickly. Many of our home loans close in 30 days or less.
- Offer you a variety of home loans to choose from, and help you make an informed decision.
- Provide you with competitive rates that make sense for your budget and lifestyle.
Ask Dan Anything843-478-5612
While no two loan terms are the same, a few of the most common loan types include:
30-Year Loan - This loan is often considered the most secure option to choose. With a 30-year loan, you can lock in a low payment amount and rest easy knowing your rate won't change.
FHA Loan - If you're not able to make a large down payment, an FHA loan could be the right choice for you. With an FHA loan, many of our clients have successfully purchased a home with less than 4% down.
VA Loan - This loan is reserved for military veterans and active-duty men and women. Those who qualify may be able to purchase a home with no down payment and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
Choosing a home loan is an important step in the home buying process. At Classic Home Mortgage, we are here to make choosing a loan as easy as possible, so you can focus on the joys of being a homeowner. Contact our team of experts today and ask how you can get pre-qualified for your home loan in Florence, SC.
Refinancing in
Florence, SC
Because home mortgage rates in the U.S. have been so low over the last year, many current homeowners are opting to refinance their home loans. Simply put, refinancing is replacing your existing mortgage with a different mortgage under new terms. Homeowners who refinance their homes enjoy lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, and even turn their home's equity into cash. If you're interested in refinancing your home, it all begins with a call to your mortgage broker in Florence, SC - Dan Crance.
Here are just a few reasons why more homeowners in the U.S. are taking advantage of lower rates and refinancing their homes:
Shorter Term Loan
Refinancing from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage might seem counterproductive on the surface because your monthly payment usually goes up. However, interest rates on 15-year mortgages are lower. And when you shave off years of your previous mortgage, you will pay less interest over time. These savings can be very beneficial if you are not taking the mortgage interest deduction on your tax returns.
Do Away with FHA
FHA loans are notorious for paying premiums for the life of the loan. Mortgage insurance premiums for FHA loans can cost borrowers as much as $1,050 a year for every $100k borrowed. The only way to get rid of mortgage insurance premiums is to refinance to a new loan that the Federal Housing Authority does not back.
Switch to Fixed Rate or Adjustable-Rate Home Loan
Sometimes, borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages refinance so they can switch to a fixed rate, which lets them lock in an interest rate. Doing so is beneficial for some homeowners who like to know exactly how much their monthly payment is each month. Conversely, some homeowners with fixed rates prefer to refinance to an adjustable-rate mortgage. Homeowners often go this route if they plan on selling in a few years and don't mind risking a higher rate if their plans fall through.
Common Questions About Home Loans
Finding the right loan can be a difficult proposition, even if you have been through the process before. This is especially true since mortgage rates and market conditions change frequently. If you're like most of my clients, you probably have questions about interest rates, refinancing options, and a litany of other topics. To help alleviate some of your stress, here are just a few common questions with answers so that you can better educate yourself as we work our way to securing your loan.
Trust Dan Crance
Your Mortgage Lender in Florence, SC
Whether you're selling, buying, refinancing, or building the home of your dreams, you have a lot riding on your home loan specialist. When you need a mortgage broker who works tirelessly for you, answers your questions, provides guidance, and does so with a genuine smile, Dan Crance is your mortgage man. Contact Dan today at 843-478-5612 to get pre-approved and discover why Florence loves Classic Home Mortgage.
After hours by appointment only. CONTACT DANLatest News in Florence, SC
South Florence ends Westside’s undefeated season in state championship
Ella Groganhttps://www.foxcarolina.com/2024/12/14/south-florence-football-defeats-westside-state-championship/
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The South Florence Bruins beat the Westside Rams 42-41 to win the Class AAAA South Carolina High School Football State Championship Friday night at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg.The Rams came up just short of winning back-to-back state titles after beating South Florence last year to win Westside’s first football state championship since 1969.Westside started the game strong when future Gamecock quarterback Cutter Woods launched a 38-yard pass to Chamarryus Bomar for the f...
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The South Florence Bruins beat the Westside Rams 42-41 to win the Class AAAA South Carolina High School Football State Championship Friday night at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg.
The Rams came up just short of winning back-to-back state titles after beating South Florence last year to win Westside’s first football state championship since 1969.
Westside started the game strong when future Gamecock quarterback Cutter Woods launched a 38-yard pass to Chamarryus Bomar for the first score of the game. Bomar scored four receiving touchdowns on the night and had an interception while Woods threw for six touchdowns in total.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the Rams had a 21-7 lead. But South Florence came back and when the second half came around both of these teams’ offenses were unstoppable. Every time Westside would score, South Florence would answer.
South Florence even scored two touchdowns in the second half on fourth down plays. When the Bruins finally got a stop, they took their first lead of the game.
Tre Leonard scored a four-yard rushing touchdown for South Florence with just over two minutes remaining to give them a 42-35 lead.
But Westside had a two-minute drive to win last year’s state championship and had plans of doing it again.
Quarterback Woods threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to Bomar sending the Westside crowd into a frenzy. The Rams were still down 42-41 with just under two minutes left in the game. Westside Head Coach Brian Lane had a decision to make; go for a two-point conversion to take the lead or go for an extra point to tie it up.
Lane decided to go for two by running the ‘Philly Special’ trick play but it did not succeed. That left Westside still trailing by one point with only 1:56 remaining. Westside got a stop and got the ball back at their own 1-yardline with :39 seconds left and no timeouts but couldn’t make anything happen.
South Florence held on to win in a rematch of last year’s state championship 42-41. After the game, Coach Lane spoke about his decision to go for two.
“I never second guess myself, baby, you go for it. It’s there. The plays are there we just have to execute. It’s always execution. And the play was there but at the end of the day we have to execute it,” Lane said. “You hate it for these young men. They played hard, we fought hard all year. Tough loss here at the end.”
Lane stood by his decision and his team by embracing several players after the heartbreaking ending.
Westside ends its season with its first loss while coming up just one-point short of winning back-to-back state championships.
Copyright 2024 WHNS. All rights reserved.
SC high school football championship: Westside suffers 42-41 loss to South Florence
Todd Shanesyhttps://www.independentmail.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/12/13/sc-high-school-football-playoffs-live-updates-westside-south-florence/76919376007/
ORANGEBURG – Westside suffered a heartbreaking defeat Friday night in the Class AAAA high school football state championship game.The Rams went for a two-point conversion for the lead with 1:52 remaining. But a trick play, a reverse to a wide receiver for a throw to the end zone, was intercepted. South Florence held on and beat defending champ Westside, 42-41, at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium....
ORANGEBURG – Westside suffered a heartbreaking defeat Friday night in the Class AAAA high school football state championship game.
The Rams went for a two-point conversion for the lead with 1:52 remaining. But a trick play, a reverse to a wide receiver for a throw to the end zone, was intercepted. South Florence held on and beat defending champ Westside, 42-41, at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.
Westside (13-1) had its 27-game win streak snapped by South Florence (12-3) in a rematch of last year’s title game.
Rams quarterback Cutter Woods passed for 384 yards and six touchdowns. Chamarryus Bomar had four catches for 213 yards and four TDs. Armoni Weaver had three catches for 101 yards and a TD.
South Florence 42, Westside 41 | 1:52 left in fourth quarter | Rams get TD but miss conversion
Westside got a 50-yard touchdown pass from Cutter Woods to Chamarryus Bomar. The Rams went for two on a trick play, but a pass by Jameson Wilson was intercepted in the end zone.
South Florence 42, Westside 35 | 2:12 left in fourth quarter | Bruins take first lead
South Florence got a 6-yard touchdown run by Tre Leonard. On the drive, Messiah Jackson threw a 41-yard pass to Jayden Sellers and on third-and-8 from the 23, Jackson scrambled for 17 yards.
Westside 35, South Florence 35 | 9:08 left in fourth quarter | Bruins score on fourth down
South Florence went for a fourth-and-5 at the Westside 31-yard line and Messiah Jones threw a touchdown pass to Jayden Sellers down the left sideline. Sellers, the South Carolina signee, has three TD catches.
Westside 35, South Florence 28 | 1:41 left in third quarter | Woods goes deep to Bomar
After converting a first down on a pass to Armoni Weaver, Cutter Woods fired one deep and Chamarryus Bomar ran under it for a 74-yard touchdown. … Woods has completed eight passes of 11 attempts for 334 yards and five touchdowns.
Westside 28, South Florence 28 | 2:55 left in third quarter | Bruins keep battling back
South Florence ties it on a 22-yard pass from Messiah Jackson to Jayden Sellers after the Bruins had a penalty on the same play on the previous snap. Bruins have run 53 plays. Westside has run 14.
Westside 28, South Florence 21 | 10:03 left in third quarter | Woods goes deep to Weaver
Cutter Woods threw a 74-yard touchdown to Armoni Weaver, who was wide-open and even turned around at the goal line to see if anybody was close. Nobody was. … Woods is 6-of-9 for 258 yards and four TDs.
Westside 21, South Florence 21 | 10:37 left in third quarter | Bruins kick return leads to tie game
Jayden Sellers took the second-half kickoff 40 yards into Westside territory and quarterback Messiah Jackson scored on a 1-yard run. Jackson has also thrown for two TDs.
Westside 21, South Florence 14 | Halftime
South Florence recovered an onsides kick with 26 seconds left but couldn’t do anything with it. The Bruins tried one pass and it was blown up by Rams defensive back Chamarryus Bomar, who nearly stole the ball as he was making the tackle.
South Florence running back Tre Leonard has 12 carries for 132 yards. Westside quarterback Cutter Woods is 5-for-7 for 184 yards and three touchdowns.
Westside 21, South Florence 14 | 0:39 left in second quarter | Bruins trim lead before half
South Florence went on a nine-play, 54-yard drive to get back within a touchdown just before halftime. Messiah Jackson finished it with a 2-yard run up the middle on first-and-goal.
Westside 21, South Florence 7 | 9:53 in second quarter | Chamarryus Bomar makes big plays
Cutter Woods threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to Chamarryus Bomar after he made an interception in the end zone. Armoni Weaver of the Rams saved a touchdown before that when he ran down a ball-carrier on a 52-yard run. Woods is 4-for-5 for 188 yards and three TDs.
Westside 14, South Florence 7 | 1:45 in first quarter | Rams score with quick strike
It took Westside one play to regain the lead. Cutter Woods threw a 74-yard pass to Dreson Evans on the first snap after South Florence had made it 7-7. Woods is 3-for-4 for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
Westside 7, South Florence 7 | 2:06 in first quarter | Bruins have early answer to tie
South Florence got an 18-yard pass from Messiah Jackson to Jayden Sellers, a South Carolina commit who weaved his way toward the middle after a screen pass.
Westside 7, South Florence 0 | 5:41 in first quarter | Rams take early lead
Westside’s defense stopped South Florence on fourth-and-2 from the Rams’ 49-yard line. Sharode Richardson ran for 15 yards on the first play and on the second, Cutter Woods threw a 38-yard TD to Chamarryus Bomar in the right corner of the end zone.
Westside vs. South Florence time today
What channel is Westside vs. South Florence game on today?
Westside vs. South Florence prediction
Westside 38, South Florence 35: This game should live up to the excitement of last year’s thriller. South Florence has plenty of incentive after being knocked from the throne by Westside. But the Rams have been nothing short of dominant all season and are motivated to finish the job of going back-to-back.
Westside football 2024 schedule
South Florence football 2024 schedule
Photos: Florence and Laurens: Two SC towns founded in unique southern circle shape
Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/photos-florence-and-laurens-two-sc-towns-founded-in-unique-southern-circle-shape/collection_aa7ffe74-b651-11ef-9afd-3b28d79f197e.html
Most towns formed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries began as circles in their designs to form their original boundaries.Buy NowBuy NowBuy NowAn alleyway across from the Historic Laurens Courthouse in the public square Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.Buy...
Most towns formed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries began as circles in their designs to form their original boundaries.
An alleyway across from the Historic Laurens Courthouse in the public square Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn steps outside the City Hall located on the public square of town Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
Sheila McDaniel, picking up arrangements from the florist, questions Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn about a new town requirement for landlords Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. McDaniel, who owns property in town, has lived in the circle town of Laurens for 39 years.
Inside the former dental offices of Dr. R. P. McGowan, vintage wallpaper peels from the space that has been undisturbed for decades, located in the Capitol Theatre in Laurens, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
Inside the former dental offices of Dr. R. P. McGowan, vintage wallpaper remains and the courthouse can be seen from the window in Laurens, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. The offices that reside in the Capitol Theatre have remained mostly undisturbed for decades.
Palmetto Street in Laurens on Nov. 26, 2024. A Laurens town legend places the birthplace of the town at the bottom of Palmetto Street after its founders threw an empty peach brandy bottle up the hill to mark the spot of the town courthouse.
A granite marker still stands Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Laurens, as one of the original markers planted to form the boundaries of the town.
The ruins of a cotton mill in Laurens, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
An emergency service vehicle for Laurens County drives towards the center of town Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Laurens past Watts Street.
City of Florence Planning Director Jerry Dudley and City Manager Clint Moore look over a 1924 map from the Sanborn Map Company, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Vines grow over an old cotton gin building located adjacent to railroad lines in Florence, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Antique pumps remain dotted along a former train platform at the old Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot in Florence, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Historic homes on the McLeod Health campus Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Florence are placed near the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, one of the three railroads that ran through the town.
A Sanborn map, dated 1924, shows the circles that made up the town of Florence, Friday Nov. 8, 2024. The corner of Front Street (now named Baroody Street) and Dargan Street is in the middle, marking the junction of the railroad lines.
A delivery truck waits for a green light at the intersection of Dargan Street and Baroody Street, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Florence. Baroody Street, formerly named Front Street, is the center of the city of Florence and was a former junction of the railroads that helped found the town.
Hardy Graham, with his dog Phoebe, walk through the intersection of Dargan Street and West N.B. Baroody Street, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Florence. Baroody Street, formerly named Front Street, is the center of the city of Florence and was a former junction of the railroads that helped found the town.
A M King Kicks Off Construction of Cheney Brothers’ Cold Distribution Facility in Florence, SC
GroundBreak Carolinashttps://groundbreakcarolinas.com/a-m-king-kicks-off-construction-of-cheney-brothers-cold-distribution-facility-in-florence-sc/
A M King, a leading integrated Design-Build firm with offices in Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL, has completed design and commenced construction on its fourth major project for Cheney Brothers, Inc. (CBI). The 386,047-sf refrigerator/freezer distribution facility in Florence, SC will include 45 loading docks, a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed to date.A M King, Cheney Brothers, Inc...
A M King, a leading integrated Design-Build firm with offices in Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL, has completed design and commenced construction on its fourth major project for Cheney Brothers, Inc. (CBI). The 386,047-sf refrigerator/freezer distribution facility in Florence, SC will include 45 loading docks, a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed to date.
A M King, Cheney Brothers, Inc. and Florence County Economic Development Partnership hosted an official groundbreaking event on December 4, 2024. The day’s festivities included a shovel ceremony, a visit from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and site tours.
“This new distribution center in Florence will allow Cheney Brothers to enhance our customer service and obtain a higher level of customer satisfaction,” said Byron Russell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cheney Brothers. “The support we have received from the State of South Carolina and the local communities has been tremendous.”
A M King Business Unit Leader David Sawicki noted, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Cheney Brothers to develop a facility of this magnitude and complexity. Our history of successful projects for CBI, along with our depth and breadth of food industry expertise, makes this an ideal venture.”
A M King’s scope of work includes 100,963 sf of dry storage and a 36,098-sf dry dock; a 90,095-sf freezer; 60,683 sf of cooler with separate rooms and temperatures for dairy/meat, flour and produce, and a 31,533-sf cooler dock; 30,424 sf of office spaces; a 7,142-sf Cheney Express; and a 3,364-sf test kitchen.
Cheney Brothers’ Florence Facility
Cheney Brothers, Inc., based in Riviera Beach, FL, was founded in 1925. In 2016, the company purchased Pate Dawson Co., thereby acquiring distribution and processing facilities in Statesville, NC and Greensboro, NC. The Florence facility, located on nearly 50 acres in the Pee Dee Commerce City East Industrial Park — across I-95 from Buc-ee’s — will be the company’s first in South Carolina. The new distribution center will provide means for the broadline distributor to significantly expand its reach in the region.
Warren Newell, CBI’s Director of Development, said, “I have worked with dozens of Design-Build and construction firms over the years, and I can honestly say that A M King is one of the finest. There is no doubt they will design and construct a first-class distribution center for us in Florence, which will strengthen our ability to serve Southeast Atlantic coastal customers.”
A M King’s History Serving Cheney Brothers
A M King has completed two major expansions at Cheney Brothers’ Statesville facility, bringing the total square footage to 342,126. The projects included additional cold storage and dry warehouse space, a 2,000-sf commercial culinary center, cutting-edge penthouse refrigeration system, 37 new dock positions and a new receiving office. The complexity of these projects was heightened by the fact that all work was performed in an operational distribution center.
Our Design-Build team also transformed a vacant shell building in Greensboro into a state-of-the-art food processing facility for CBI affiliate Southern Foods. A M King won five prestigious industry awards for the Statesville facility and Southern Foods facility projects from organizations including ABC Carolinas, Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA) and Engineering News-Record.
About A M King
A M King is an integrated Design-Build firm based in Charlotte, NC with offices in Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL. An employee-owned company, A M King consistently and successfully delivers quality projects throughout the United States. With an experienced team committed to protecting clients’ assets, the firm provides property consulting, design, construction, and facility services in key market sectors including food processing, food distribution, industrial manufacturing, and corporate properties.
About Cheney Brothers, Inc.
Cheney Brothers, Inc. is a broadline food distributor that delivers more than 16,000 different products throughout the Southeast region of United States and in more than 100 countries. Cheney Brothers employs more than 3,800 individuals and reports annual revenues exceeding $3.2 billion.
About Florence County Economic Development Partnership
Florence County Economic Development Partnership serves as the public-private entity that works to recruit new business and industry to Florence County, South Carolina, while also helping existing industries grow and expand.
“We’re thrilled to witness Cheney Brothers break ground on their state-of-the-art distribution center, strategically sited to serve the Carolinas market,” said Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chair Joe W.” Rocky” Pearce. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership and the realization of their $66+ million investment.”
“We are immensely grateful for Cheney Brothers’ trust and investment in Florence County,” added Florence County Council Chairman William Schofield. “We are confident that their presence will reflect the success of the thriving companies already here, creating jobs and making a lasting impact on our community. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in our journey toward growth and prosperity.”
Florence’s most popular holiday light show, featured on national TV, is ending
Seth Taylor staylor@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/pee-dee/news/florence-holiday-light-decoration-humane-society-fundraiser-ending/article_fe1721b2-ac0f-11ef-b647-f3f7618a6b17.html
FLORENCE – A holiday tradition for some Florence families will come to an end this year.Lights 4 Paws, an annual fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society and one of Florence’s best-known holiday light shows, announced that 2024 would be its last y...
FLORENCE – A holiday tradition for some Florence families will come to an end this year.
Lights 4 Paws, an annual fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society and one of Florence’s best-known holiday light shows, announced that 2024 would be its last year.
The 5-acre, 300,000-light walking trail gained national recognition when it was featured on ABC’s reality TV show, "The Great Christmas Light Fight," in 2023.
In Florence, the display has become a part of many people’s Christmas seasons.
It's the work of a single family: Ross Shotts, his wife, Darlene, and her sister, Denise Pate. The family is moving out of town and has decided this will be its last year, Florence Area Humane Society President Jayne Boswell said.
"I just really can't even imagine Christmas without that event," Boswell said.
"It's something that they've had a real heart for animals to do, and also just a real love for Christmas and an opportunity to see the sparkle in kids' eyes."
Hundreds of people shared or commented on Lights 4 Paws Facebook post announcing the end of the event. They shared favorite memories, expressed sadness to see it end and thanked the Shotts for their work bringing the lights to life each year.
The Shotts have operated the display as Lights 4 Paws since 2016. It’s the Humane Society’s second-largest fundraiser, Liz Parrish, a Humane Society board member, said. Thousands of people visit each year, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The wooded trail winds around the Shotts home. In addition to classic Christmas decorations, there are numerous decorations you can't find elsewhere.
Last year, there was Santa in construction equipment, Santa in a rocket, Santa in a camper, Santa in an outhouse. There were Christmas cactuses, porcupines and cowboys. There was an entire section devoted to outer space: little green men next to spaceships and Star Wars characters.
Underneath these lights, many families make their holiday memories. Eyes sparkling, mouths slightly agape, children sit on their parents’ shoulders, couples hold hands and teenage friends tease each other.
The Shotts were not immediately available for comment, but they previously told The Post and Courier that the display is a labor of love.
They spend six months turning their home into something from a Christmas fairytale. Come December, they spend hours each night shepherding visitors through the display.
In 2023, the family was featured on "The Great Christmas Light Fight," a reality television show that pits holiday displays from across the country against each other. The Shotts fell short of the top prize.
That year, Ross Shotts said the family knew they were nearing the end. As much as they love the annual display, they were worn out.
"I just think everybody deserves some time for retirement, and they've worked hard all their lives. So heck yeah, I'm happy for them," Boswell said.
Lights 4 Paws, 3251 Mears Drive, will be open Nov. 29 to Dec. 26. Nightly hours will be 6 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. A monetary donation is required for admission.
"We hope that everybody's gonna' pack each night full. We want a huge crowd to send it on its way," Boswell said.
Disclaimer:
