By Delayna Earley and Amber Hewitt
The Island News
The 68th annual Beaufort Water Festival is warmed up and at full speed as it makes its way toward its second and final weekend for 2024.
On opening night Friday, July 12, the Water Festival drew a crowd to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort despite a rain delay that lasted just longer than an hour.
While the rain dampened the grass and the stage, spirits were high when the gates opened, and the program was able to continue as planned.
The announcement to postpone opening the event was made on Facebook, and many would-be-festivalgoers took to social media to joke about how it would not be a typical Water Festival without rain delays.
The opening ceremony kicked off the annual 10-day festival by recognizing Commodore Josh Schott and introducing the head volunteers and people who have worked hard for the past year to organize and put on the festival.
Festival and event sponsors as well as local political leaders also speak to the crowd about the importance of this long-running Lowcountry festival.
The evening ended with a sparkling fireworks display.
The heat from Friday night carried into the weekend as traditional Water Festival events such as the Raft Races, badminton and bocce tournaments, children’s fishing tournament, Children’s Day and a water-skiing show.
On Saturday night, country music fans descended on the downtown area to enjoy local musician Katie Lynn, HunterGirl and the headlining performer Parmalee.
The nightly entertainment during the week got off to a great start with a large crowd coming out to see regulars Deas Guyz for Motown Monday.
As the festival winds down, make sure not to miss the grand finale of events scheduled to round out the 10 days of fun.
On Friday, July 19, Alan Price & The Modern Day will open for Queen Flash during the Rockin’ The River concert, which is an 18-and-older event.
Earlier on Friday, don’t miss the bed races, an annual event that features teams racing down Bay Street with decorated beds ridden by one or two members of the team.
The races begin at 5 p.m. with a check-in time of 4 p.m. and gates open for the evening entertainment at 7 p.m. with the music beginning at 8 p.m.
The Grand Parade, Air Show and Commodore’s Ball will all take place on Saturday, July 20. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will follow the normal parade route for the City of Beaufort.
Derrick “D” Washington will lead the parade as the Grand Marshal.
The Air Show will begin in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park at 1 p.m. and will go until 4 p.m. followed by the Commordore’s Ball that evening.
Gates will open at 7 p.m. for that event, and the show will begin at 8 p.m. and will feature Shag Doctorz.
As is tradition, the 10-day festival will culminate on Sunday, June 21, with the Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats, which will begin at 12:30 p.m.
The 2024 Beaufort Water Festival officially ends at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.
Make sure to follow The Island News for photos of the upcoming Beaufort Water Festival events.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
