<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><em><b>63rd annual Beaufort Water Festival kicks off Friday</b></em></span></h2>
<h3>By Justin Jarrett</h3>
The best 10 days of the year are almost upon us.

It’s time for the 63rd annual Beaufort Water Festival to return to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which will be the place to see and be seen from Friday, July 13, to Sunday, July 22.

The festival has grown leaps and bounds since the inaugural event in 1956 — not only in terms of its popularity, but also in the number of events offered. Back then, a $5 bill would get a couple into all the major events of festival week, which were limited to the beauty pageant, the Water Festival Ball (now known as the Commodore’s Ball), and the Regatta Ball.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

This year’s festival will include upwards of 25 events, including numerous concerts, fan favorites such as the Opening Ceremonies, Motown Monday, Teen Dance, Talent Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and tons of fun contests such as the Raft Race, bocce and badminton tournaments, the children’s toad fishing tournament, and the always entertaining Bed Race.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

This year marks a first for the festival, though — it’s the first time a husband and wife both will have served as Commodore. Beaufort native and attorney Stacey Canaday will serve as this year’s Commodore, following husband, Chris, who held the position in 2016.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Canaday was a Pirette — one of the team of young women who serve as the festival’s goodwill ambassadors by participating in regional parades and events throughout the year and assist patrons during the Water Festival — during the early-1990s and has been a volunteer for the festival for the past 15 years.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

So Canaday knows her way around the Water Festival, but if you’re a first-timer, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>PARKING</b></span></p>
Parking is limited downtown on an ordinary basis, but the competition for a space is especially fierce during the Water Festival. Be prepared to pay for parking, whether it’s at a metered space or in a paid lot downtown. Allow extra time to park and walk, or plan on parking at the Beaufort County Government Center and using the free shuttle for select evening events.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>IT’S HOT!</b></span></p>
It’s not exactly breaking news that it gets hot in the Lowcountry in July, but seriously, Water Festival seems to come during one of the hottest weeks of the year, every year. Be sure to slap on some sunscreen before you head out and take in plenty of fluids (other than beer and wine) to avoid dehydration. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>EAT, DRINK &amp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>BE MERRY</b></span></p>
There’s no shortage of food and beverage available at Water Festival, and you can indulge as much as you like while knowing you’re helping support charities such as high school booster clubs. If you’re going to enjoy some adult beverages, though, be sure to drink responsibly and keep the atmosphere family-friendly, and whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

<em>Photo at top by Bob Sofaly.</em>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><b>2018 BEAUFORT WATER FESTIVAL
</b><b>SCHEDULE OF EVENTS</b></span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Friday, July 13</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: Noon – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>OPENING CEREMONY</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by The Preserve at Port Royal</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Entertainment: The Parris Island Marine Band &amp; Fireworks at Dusk</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT​ | Gates open at 6pm, Ceremony at 7pm | FREE Shuttle Service from the Beaufort County Government Center</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Saturday, July 14</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Raft Race</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by CPM Federal Credit Union</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Seawall</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 8:30am – Noon</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 9am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Bocce Tournament</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by JoCo Construction<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and Sea Island Elevators</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Main Field</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: Play starts at 9am</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Badminton Tournament</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by A.C. Harvey's Screenprinting</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Stage Field</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: Play starts at 9am</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Plair Enterprises, Inc</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Seawall</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10am – Noon | Ages 12 and under only Bring your own rod, reel and tackle<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>Bait provided</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Sponsor’s Expo</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">10am – 2pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Shrimp Boat Tours</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Sea Eagle Market</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Seawall</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT|<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Noon – 4pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Ski Show</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1:30pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>CONCERT IN THE PARK</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by New Country Bob 106.9</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Headline Performer GRANGER SMITH featuring Earl Dibbles Jr. with<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">SPECIAL GUESTS</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">country entertainer JOHN KING and new rising country act WALKER COUNTY<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $30 | Gates open at 6pm, Show at 7pm | No strollers, coolers, outside food or beverages or professional photography | No Refunds | FREE Shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>Children age 5 and under FREE<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Sunday, July 15</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 9am – 5pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>River Rally</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Butler Marine</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Local Waters</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 9am – 1pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Children’s Day</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Coastal Orthodontics</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT | 11am – 3pm | Featuring Games, Activities, Shows, Bounce Houses and Prizes</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Shrimp Boat Tours</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Sea Eagle Market</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Seawall</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Noon – 4pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TEEN DANCE</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by JOHN 3:16</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Entertainment: DJ Donna</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $10 | 6pm – 9pm<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>Gates open 6pm – 9pm, No entry after 8pm (NO RE-ENTRY ALLOWED)<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Ages 13 – 17 only, ID Required<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>Clutch Purses Only (6” x 9” size) | Please Wear Appropriate Clothing | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Monday, July 16</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 10am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>MOTOWN MONDAY</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by South State Bank</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Entertainment: Deaz-Guyz</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $15 | Gates open 7pm,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Show at 8pm | No refunds, outside food or<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>beverages, or coolers | FREE Shuttle Service from the Beaufort County Government Center | Children age 5 and under FREE</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Tuesday, July 17</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 10am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>HOMETOWN TUESDAY</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Beaufort Regional<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Chamber of Commerce</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Headline Entertainment:<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Steel Rail Express</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT | Gates open 7pm, Show at 8pm<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>No outside food or beverages, or coolers</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Wednesday, July 18</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 10am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>TALENT SHOW</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Landon's LP</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hosted by: The Preceptor Omega<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $10 or FREE with Official 2018 63rd Annual Water Festival T-Shirt Gates open at 6pm, Show at 7pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Thursday, July 19</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 10am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>LOWCOUNTRY SUPPER</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Waste Pro</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Headline Entertainment: 20 Ride</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Opening Entertainment: Andrew Beam</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Featuring: The Whistlers</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 6pm Supper served 6pm – 7:30pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>Children age 5 and under FREE</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Friday, July 20</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 10am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Bed Race</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Starr Distribution</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Corner of Bay &amp; Harrington</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $25 entry per team | 4:30pm check-in | 5pm start time | Same day registration based on space availability</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>RIVER DANCE</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by City Electric Supply</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Entertainment: Groove Town Assault</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Opening Entertainment: Souls Harbor</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 7pm, Show at 8pm | Must be 18 or Older with Valid ID to attend | No refunds, outside food or beverages, coolers or strollers |&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>FREE Shuttle service from Beaufort<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>County Government Center</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Saturday, July 21</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 9am – 7pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Water Festival Grand Parade</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Organized by: The Beaufort Lions Club</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Downtown Beaufort</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT |&nbsp;10am – Noon</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Non-Profit Expo</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT |&nbsp;Noon – 4pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>​Air Show</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Executive Flight Training</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1pm – 4pm<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Stunt Planes | US Coast Guard Search<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>&amp; Rescue Demo</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>COMMODORE’S BALL</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by Mike's Marine</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Entertainment: Emerald Empire Band</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: $10 | Gates open at 7pm, Show at 8pm | No refunds, outside food<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>or beverages or coolers<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;| </span>Children age 5 and under FREE</p>

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Sunday, July 22</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Festival Arts &amp; Crafts Market</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Promenade at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: 9am – 3pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sponsored by The Past Commodores<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">of the Beaufort Water Festival</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Location: Beaufort River in front of<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park Seawall</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Event Details: Noon – 2pm | FREE registration | Boats must register to be eligible for prizes | All applications must<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>be at the judge’s table prior to Noon</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Festival Ends – 3:00 pm</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>See you next year!</em></p>