News Summary
The Beaufort Water Festival, themed ‘Blue Skies & Starry Nights’, will take place from July 11 to 20, welcoming around 70,000 attendees. Commodore Todd Stowe leads this year’s festival, which will feature a variety of family-friendly activities and events despite safety modifications due to park closures. Key events include the Opening Ceremony and Lowcountry Supper, adjusted for safety concerns, while maintaining the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The 69th Annual Beaufort Water Festival is set to kick off on July 11 and continue through July 20, showcasing the theme “Blue Skies & Starry Nights,” inspired by the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh. This year’s festival marks a significant milestone as Todd Stowe takes charge as Commodore, bringing a wealth of experience since he first volunteered in 1995.
Stowe’s involvement has grown over the years, leading him to this pivotal role in 2025. Despite the anticipation surrounding the festival, it faces some challenges due to safety concerns resulting in the closure of a portion of the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This closure necessitates modifications to the event locations and setups for various traditional activities.
The park’s promenade will be closed, prompting changes to well-loved events. Notably, the children’s fishing tournament and the raft race will now occur in alternative locations to ensure participant safety. The raft race has been relocated to Sands Beach in Port Royal while the children’s fishing tournament will take place near the park, allowing young anglers to still partake in the excitement. Stowe has assured that although changes are required, a competent crew of volunteers is adeptly managing the situation to adapt to the park’s conditions.
The festival’s Opening Ceremony, featuring the Parris Island Marine Band and a spectacular fireworks display, will initiate the festivities on July 11. The Lowcountry Supper, a festival staple, will also return, albeit with adjustments to its entrance and serving locations to accommodate safety regulations in light of the promenade closure. Additionally, due to the safety guidelines, ticket sales for events will be reduced by 10%, with all tickets needing to be purchased online—there will be no on-site sales at the gate.
The festival is expected to draw around 70,000 attendees over its ten-day span, focusing on a family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, arts and crafts, and various competitions. Key events will still include the blessing of the fleet, which will proceed with modifications such as raising the priest for the ceremony. Visitors will need to observe several safety regulations throughout the event, including restrictions on strollers and limitations on outside food and drink.
Commodore Stowe expressed a mix of excitement and sentimentality about his new role, acknowledging that stepping into this position means he can no longer volunteer in subsequent years. Part of the festival’s draw is its varied entertainment lineup; Stowe is particularly looking forward to a Mötley Crüe tribute band performing during festivities.
With careful planning and adjustments to grooming conditions, the Beaufort Water Festival aims to maintain its tradition of offering a vibrant celebration of community and cultural events while prioritizing safety amidst the challenges posed by the promenade’s closure. As preparations are finalized, organizers remain committed to ensuring that the festival remains an enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: 69th Annual Water Festival
- Island Packet: Local Community News
- Your Island News: 62nd Annual Water Festival
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
