[caption id="attachment_36692" align="alignright" width="353"]<a href="https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/RES7977.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-36692" src="https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/RES7977-1024x663.jpg" alt="" width="353" height="206"></a> Thousands still showed up for the opening night of the 63rd annual Beaufort Water Festival on Friday, despite the cancellation of the evening’s entertainment and fireworks. Here, hundreds of people at left seem to be enjoying a line dance during the song “The Cupid Shuffle.”[/caption]

Rain made short work of Friday night’s Opening Ceremony to kick off the 63rd annual Beaufort Water Festival at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Early thunderstorms forced the Parris Island Marine Band to pack up their instruments and cancel their concert. Later the traditional fireworks show had to be cancelled as well. But that didn’t stop the 2,000 people who crammed into the park from having a good time. Music was played over the public address system and hundreds of Water Festival faithful crowded in front of the stage for a night of line dancing and good old-fashioned fun.

<em>Photo at top:&nbsp;These folks packed up their chairs and left the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Photos by Bob Sofaly.</em>