News Summary
The Beaufort Water Festival concluded its 69th edition, marking a milestone in community celebration. Dusty Vickers has been named the new Commodore for the upcoming festival. He brings over 14 years of experience and plans to enhance the event, including introducing new sporting activities. Despite challenges this year, including rain and venue changes, the festival showcased its community spirit with numerous volunteers and unique offerings, setting a positive tone for its 70th anniversary.
Beaufort, SC – The 69th Beaufort Water Festival, a beloved community event, recently came to a close after a vibrant ten-day celebration, marking a significant milestone in its history. As the dust settles, Dusty Vickers, a long-time resident of Port Royal, has been announced as the new Commodore for the upcoming 2026 Beaufort Water Festival. He will succeed Todd Stowe, who has held the position during this year’s festival.
Vickers brings over 14 years of volunteer experience with the festival and is gearing up for his term, which he describes as his “swan song” year. Looking ahead, he aims to step back after his term to devote more time to his family, creating a mix of anticipation and nostalgia for the 70th festival. While specific plans for the upcoming event are yet to be finalized, Vickers has expressed interest in introducing a new sporting event to enhance the festival’s offerings.
This year’s festival was not without its challenges. In 2025, organizers faced disruptions including the City of Beaufort’s closure of part of the promenade shortly before the event. Additionally, heavy rain forced the cancellation of the Opening Night festivities. In a positive twist, the annual Raft Races were relocated from Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to Sands Beach in Port Royal, resulting in improved race turnaround times, with the event finishing two hours earlier than usual.
Vickers has expressed satisfaction with the move, citing an increase in Port Royal’s visibility during the festival. The strength of the festival lies in its long-standing tradition of being community-driven. With over 400 volunteers managing a myriad of events for ten days, the festival stands out as the longest-running festival on the east coast that operates entirely by volunteers without any paid staff.
Todd Stowe, the outgoing Commodore, praised the dedication of this year’s festival staff and volunteers, particularly emphasizing the high quality of bands selected for performances. The closing ceremony was marked by the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats, a fitting end to a festive chapter for both Stowe and Vickers, who celebrated the occasion with their families.
As part of its charm, the Beaufort Water Festival features a commemorative t-shirt designed each year by local artists, ensuring that each shirt is unique and reflective of the festival’s spirit. The event is known for its lively atmosphere, including a variety of concerts showcasing approximately 12 to 15 different acts annually, demonstrating the local community’s cultural richness.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Lowcountry Supper, an effort requiring substantial logistics, including the procurement of 1250 lbs of shrimp, 3000 ears of corn, 1000 lbs of sausage, 100 watermelons, and 300 gallons of sweet tea for the renowned Frogmore stew dinner.
Significantly, the festival has only faced cancellation once, which occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the resilience of the event and its community. Moving forward into the 70th year, the anticipation is palpable regarding the plans under Vickers’ leadership as the festival looks to uphold its legacy while continuing to innovate.
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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.
