News Summary
The city of Beaufort is hosting its 69th Annual Water Festival, drawing around 2,000 attendees to the Lowcountry supper despite the promenade closure at Waterfront Park due to structural concerns. This year’s event has seen a slight attendance decline, attributed to these limitations. Participants enjoyed traditional dishes while local businesses faced lower foot traffic. Despite challenges, the festival continues to promote community spirit and local culture, culminating in an exciting air show and a parade of boats.
Beaufort Hosts 69th Annual Water Festival Amid Promenade Closure
The city of Beaufort is celebrating its 69th Annual Water Festival, attracting around 2,000 attendees to the Lowcountry supper held on Thursday, despite the closure of the promenade at Waterfront Park. This year’s attendance marks a slight decline compared to previous years, with a projected total of around 70,000 visitors over the festival’s 10-day run, primarily impacted by the promenade’s structural concerns.
The promendade’s closure was necessitated by reports of failing concrete pilings, leading to adjustments in the event layout. Serving lines for the Lowcountry supper extended approximately 500 feet due to the restrictions, but attendees enjoyed a culinary experience that showcased the local culture.
The supper featured Frogmore stew, a traditional dish made with locally caught shrimp, sausage, and corn-on-the-cob—an ode to the region’s rich culinary heritage. Approximately 1,200 pounds of shrimp, sourced from Port Royal Sound off the shores of Hunting Island, were prepared alongside 3,000 ears of corn, 1,100 pounds of sausage, 700 pounds of potatoes, 400 pounds of coleslaw, 300 gallons of iced tea and lemonade, 3,000 rolls, and 50 watermelons.
The cooking crew, led by local shrimper Craig Reaves, faced challenges due to the heat while cooking shrimp at a rapid pace, managing to boil 150 pounds every three minutes. This event not only brought residents together but also drew visitors eager to experience the community’s hospitality.
First-time attendee Jeanette Brady expressed appreciation for the supper, noting that it provided insight into Lowcountry culture beyond the seafood for which the area is famous. The supper’s popularity reflects the event’s success in promoting local traditions and culinary practices.
Despite the lively atmosphere at the supper, local businesses expressed disappointment over decreased foot traffic during the festival. Establishments such as Panini’s on the Waterfront reported lower than expected sales, attributing the decline in part to the promenade restrictions. Organizers observed a 10% decrease in ticket sales, indicating that the closure had a tangible impact on festival revenues and attendance.
The water festival has faced additional challenges this year, including the cancellation of the opening night due to inclement weather. Nonetheless, subsequent events were held, albeit with minor disruptions from weather conditions. The festival will continue throughout the week, culminating in a spectacular air show and a parade of boats.
As Beaufort celebrates its cultural heritage through the Water Festival, community spirit remains resilient. The combination of food, entertainment, and camaraderie highlights the significance of this event, with attendees savoring the flavors and traditions that define the Lowcountry. The festival’s organizers and participants remain hopeful that attendance will rebound in the future, giving the community and its visitors an opportunity to come together despite current challenges.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: 69th Annual Beaufort Water Festival
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- Your Island News: Beaufort Water Festival 2025
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival
- Island Packet: Beaufort Water Festival News
- Google Scholar: Beaufort Water Festival
- WJCL: Beaufort Water Festival Gets Underway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Explore Beaufort: Fun Facts about Beaufort Water Festival
- Google News: Beaufort Water Festival 2025
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.
