By Amber Hewitt
The Island News
At a community meeting held at Penn Center on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, Robert Adams, Director of Penn Center, opened with an overview of the upcoming Heritage Days events and addressed the increased safety concerns following the tragedy of October 12.
Adams announced that Penn Center will maintain its standard security presence while also adding additional personnel this year. To ensure public safety, certain events, including the step show, have been canceled. In remembrance of those who lost their lives, the park will remain closed during Heritage Days.
Parade logistics and route
The traditional Heritage Day Parade will take place Saturday at 9 a.m., beginning at St. Helena Park (Ballpark Road) and concluding at Penn Center.
- Gates open at 7 a.m. for participant registration at Halifax.
- Walking participants should go directly to Halifax.
- Parade volunteers, identified by wearing vests, will assist along the route.
Despite community advocacy and conversations with Penn Center leadership, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Beaufort County Sheriff Office (BCSO) refused to allow a full closure of U.S. 21 (Sea Island Parkway), citing safety concerns. Organizers had to work hard to secure permission for the event to remain on U.S. 21.
Following discussions with state officials, Adams stated that the community successfully obtained permission to keep one lane of U.S. 21 open, utilizing approximately 60 parked vehicles as protective barriers to create a safer buffer for the parade.
Community reaction
Several residents expressed strong frustration, describing the limited closure as “disrespectful” to the long-standing traditions of St. Helena. “I’m 51 years old, and the parade has always had the same route,” said community member Ava Major in a Facebook post.
Many community members contended that declaring the traditional parade route unsafe carried cultural implications. Others pointed out that events such as this weekend’s Swing Bridge Run create far greater traffic disruptions downtown, suggesting the decision reflected unequal treatment. Residents also believe that outside influence from property owners on nearby islands, coupled with limited support from the Sheriff’s Office, contributed to the change.
“We deserve one hour,” said community member Earnestine Atkins.
Elected officials and next steps
S.C. Rep. Michael Rivers acknowledged the cultural importance of the event and said he is working on two state-level bills that would solidify:
- Official statewide recognition of Penn Center; and …
- Designation of the parade route, starting at St. Helena Elementary and ending at Penn Center.
Rivers urged the community to stay vocal and organized beyond Heritage Days.
He said, “It’s not a one-person thing; it’s an island thing. Let’s use this as a learning opportunity, we can all do better.”
Looking ahead
Organizers plan to:
- Increase the number of volunteers.
- Limit parade floats to stay within the one-hour time frame.
- Continue working with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for coordination.
The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing community organization and consideration of legal or legislative measures to reinstate the full parade route in the coming years.
A follow-up session will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at Penn Center.
