News Summary
Beaufort is getting ready for the 69th Annual Water Festival, featuring an opening ceremony, fireworks, music, and community activities over 10 days. Despite venue changes due to safety concerns, the festival promises exciting events, including competitions, concerts, and a grand parade. Attendees are encouraged to follow specific regulations to enhance their experience and enjoy the celebration of community spirit.
Beaufort Prepares for 69th Annual Water Festival
The city of Beaufort is gearing up for the 69th Annual Beaufort Water Festival, which is set to commence on Friday, July 11, with an Opening Ceremony and fireworks display. This cherished event will run for 10 days, offering a variety of activities including music, food, friendly competitions, and outdoor fun in downtown Beaufort.
The first full day of events, Saturday, July 12, will showcase a series of exciting activities such as the Raft Race, a children’s fishing tournament, and a badminton tournament. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a concert featuring country music artist Chris Janson.
Venue Changes and Safety Concerns
This year’s festival includes venue changes due to the partial closure of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which has been necessitated by safety concerns over the site’s structure. Despite these challenges, Commodore Todd Stowe is leading the festival, embracing the theme “Blue Skies & Starry Nights,” which draws inspiration from the renowned painting by Vincent Van Gogh. Stowe’s wife, Patsy, has contributed to the festivities by designing the official festival T-shirt.
Commodore’s Journey
Stowe has been involved in the Beaufort Water Festival since the 1990s, taking on various responsibilities over the years and eventually being named Commodore in 2025. He finds fulfillment in witnessing the festival come together and cherishes the community engagement it fosters despite various challenges faced during its planning stages.
Weather Preparations
Festival-goers are advised to prepare for potential heat and rain during the event. It is crucial for attendees to plan their days accordingly to ensure maximum enjoyment. To enhance the festival experience, specific regulations will be enforced, including prohibitions on bringing outside food, drinks, or coolers into the event area.
Event Regulations
Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site, and attendees must consume alcoholic beverages within designated areas as they cannot be taken outside the gated zones. Safety measures are in place for the Concert in the Park event, including a ban on strollers. Additionally, tickets for events need to be purchased online in advance.
Bag Policy and Admission
To streamline entry, attendees are required to use clear bags for any bags larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, but smaller clutch bags are permitted. Children aged five and under can enter the festival free of charge; however, children are not allowed at the Teen Dance and River Dance events.
Festival Highlights
The Beaufort Water Festival is packed with engaging activities, featuring events like the River Rally, Teen Dances, and Caribbean Night. A grand parade will serve as a highlight of community engagement, showcasing the spirit and pride of local residents.
Transportation and Parking
Parking for the festival is available at the Beaufort Government Center, with a complimentary shuttle service provided to transport attendees to and from the Waterfront Park. The shuttle service aims to alleviate parking congestion and enhance the overall accessibility of the event.
As the Beaufort Water Festival prepares for another exciting year, attendees can look forward to a celebration of community spirit amid new experiences and enduring traditions.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: 69th Annual Water Festival
- Wikipedia: Festival
- Your Island News: News Category
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival
- Your Island News: 2023 Beaufort Water Festival Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Event
- Your Island News: Beaufort Water Festival Volunteer Opportunities
- Google News: Beaufort Festivals
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.
