By Pamela Brownstein
Despite the sweltering hot temperatures, thousands of hungry people gathered in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Thursday, July 21, for Water Festival’s annual Lowcountry Supper.
The Lunch Bunch arrived right when the gates by the marina opened at 6 p.m. I was amazed to find the line already wrapped around Bay Street, but shouldn’t have been too surprised — everyone knows to show up early because they usually run out of food before 7:30. With more than 3,000 mouths to feed, it’s no wonder.
We joined the crowd and lined up to fill our plates with piles of locally caught shrimp, juicy sausage, warm corn on the cob with butter, coleslaw and rolls. We each grabbed a piece of watermelon (which I finished before we even reached our seats — the sweet red fruit was impossible to resist.)
Most in our group passed up the sweet tea and lemonade for cold adult beverages, which seemed a refreshing choice on such a steamy evening. There were volunteers serving at the beer and wine tents, and Beaufort and Whale Branch high schools also were set up selling sodas, waters, snacks and other refreshments.
Many people come prepared with chairs and find a place in the shade where they can eat and get a good view of the stage. The entertainment started with the local band Groovetones, followed by the silly antics of the World Famous Whistlers, played by past commodores. Then the Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges closed out the night.
With fresh and delicious food, good music and smiling faces all around, Lowcountry Supper continues to be a favored Water Festival tradition.
