News Summary
The Beaufort Water Festival will begin on July 11, featuring music, food, and outdoor activities. Despite challenges from park closures, organizers remain optimistic. The festival includes an opening ceremony, raft race, children’s fishing tournament, and concerts, including a headlining performance by a popular country artist. Safety measures are in place, and a free shuttle service will operate to accommodate attendees. The event will run until July 20, showcasing the culture and community spirit of Beaufort.
Beaufort, SC – The 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival is set to begin on Friday, July 11, offering a week of music, food, and outdoor activities. Despite a number of events being relocated due to park closures, festival organizers are optimistic about providing a delightful experience for attendees.
The festival will kick off with an Opening Ceremony and a fireworks display scheduled for the opening day. The following day, July 12, attendees can look forward to several events, including the traditional Raft Race, a children’s fishing tournament, and a badminton tournament. The day will culminate with an evening concert headlined by popular country artist Chris Janson.
Unfortunately, a part of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park has been closed due to safety concerns, as it was deemed structurally unsafe prior to the festival. This closure has necessitated the relocation of several festival events, including the children’s fishing tournament and the Raft Race. Festival organizers have expressed gratitude towards volunteers who have stepped up to adapt to these unexpected changes.
The theme for this year’s festival is “Blue Skies & Starry Nights,” which draws inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic painting, Starry Night. The festival promises a variety of entertainment options, featuring tribute bands dedicated to rock legends such as Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi.
Safety measures are in place for festival attendees. Outside food and drinks are prohibited, and strollers will not be allowed during the Concert in the Park. Tickets must be purchased online and will be delivered via email. Entry is free for children under five years of age, while teenagers will enjoy designated events that do not include younger children. Attendees are encouraged to set up lawn chairs in advance, but clear bags are required for any bags larger than specified dimensions.
For added convenience, a Free Shuttle service will operate from the Beaufort Government Center to the festival venue during evening events, easing parking concerns. Weather forecasts predict a mix of heat and rain throughout the festival, prompting organizers to prepare for changing conditions.
The festival will span from July 11 to July 20, featuring multiple events each day. It is a long-standing tradition in Beaufort, offering residents and visitors a chance to indulge in the rich culture and recreational activities the area has to offer.
The role of commodore for this year’s event has been assumed by Todd Stowe, who began volunteering in the 1990s. Stowe has expressed a deep appreciation for the support of fellow volunteers in adjusting to the challenges posed by the park closure, as well as excitement for the festival’s upcoming events.
The Beaufort Water Festival continues to be a highly anticipated summer event, fostering community spirit and providing entertainment for attendees of all ages. As it embarks on its 69th year, it remains a celebration of the area’s natural beauty and vibrant culture, even in the face of unexpected hurdles.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: 69th Annual Water Festival
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Water Festival
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Explore Beaufort SC: Chris Janson to Headline Water Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, 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.
