News Summary
Two families welcomed newborns at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center, coinciding with the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival. Despite weather setbacks, community spirit remained high as Commodore Todd Stowe presented commemorative onesies to the new families. The festival, attended by tens of thousands, also saw an influential volunteer appointed as the new Commodore for the 2026 festival. With logistical changes and planning underway, the festival continues to be a hallmark of the region’s culture and camaraderie.
Beaufort, South Carolina— Two families celebrated new beginnings at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center last week, welcoming the arrival of newborns just as the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival kicked off. Jamie and McKenna Myers from Beaufort welcomed their baby girl, Charlie Mae, while Itzel Granados also celebrated the birth of her new child during the same week. Commodore Todd Stowe marked the occasion by presenting the families with commemorative onesies, further enhancing the joyful ambiance that the festival brings to the community.
The Beaufort Water Festival, an iconic event in the region, began its ten-day run, typically drawing around 70,000 attendees and generating an estimated $7 million in economic impact for the area. However, the festivities faced a setback when heavy rain forced the cancellation of the opening night ceremonies, which included fireworks. Despite the weather-related challenges, the festival organizers implemented safety measures, including a Clear Bag Policy, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.
Dusty Vickers, a longtime volunteer from Port Royal, was appointed as the new Commodore for the 2026 festival. Having participated in the event for approximately 14 years, Vickers expressed plans to introduce a new sporting event, showcasing his commitment to enhancing the festival experience for the community. The festival, which has been organized by volunteers without any paid employees since its inception in 1956, continues to be a collaborative community effort.
In addition to the earlier adjustments, significant logistical changes were made to accommodate festival activities. The Raft Races were relocated from their original location at the day dock at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to Sands Beach in Port Royal. Furthermore, the children’s fishing tournament also experienced a venue change, emphasizing the organizers’ commitment to ensuring that all traditional events continue despite necessary modifications due to adverse weather conditions.
The annual Lowcountry Supper, a beloved feature of the festival, required large quantities of food to serve the influx of guests. Preparation for this popular event involved careful planning and coordination among volunteers to ensure a successful turnout. The blessing of the fleet event will proceed as planned, although attendees may experience a difference in viewing distance due to the closure of the promenade. Organizers are working diligently to ensure that all aspects of the festival proceed smoothly.
The Beaufort Water Festival has become a hallmark of cultural and community spirit in the area, providing entertainment and fostering camaraderie among residents and visitors alike. As the festival enters its 69th year, it stands as a testament to the dedication of volunteers, local businesses, and community leaders who uphold this cherished tradition. With festivities ongoing and plans for the future already in motion, the festival remains a vital part of Beaufort’s social tapestry, bringing joy and unity to all.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort Water Festival
- WTOC
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival
- WJCL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort Water Festival
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Google News: Beaufort Water Festival
- Post and Courier
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.
