By Delayna Earley
The Island News
BEAUFORT – Fireworks, live music and the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Beaufort Water Festival drew a large crowd to downtown Beaufort on Friday night.
Commodore James Nutt opened the ceremony by acknowledging those volunteers who have worked tirelessly to put together the beloved outdoor festival, the local dignitaries who have helped to support the festival and the major sponsors of the 10-day event.
Entertainment was provided by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, who began their show with a string of patriotic tunes, followed by big band, jazz and more modern music.
The theme for this year, Tides of Lasting Memories, speaks to the relationships and fond memories that have been made throughout the almost seven decades since the festival was founded.
The festival will continue with daily events until Sunday, July 23.
More
Coverage of additional events and photo galleries from the 67th annual Beaufort Water Festival will be updated and posted throughout the week and linked at the end of this story.
Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She joined The Island News in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
Commodore James Nutt speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
Fireworks light up the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
Fireworks light up the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
Fireworks light up the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
Members of the Parris Island Marine Corps Band play during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
Riley Donato dances to the Parris Island Marine Corps Band during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
The 2023 Pirettes stand on stage to be recognized during the Opening Ceremony of the 67th Annual Water Festival on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News
