<h3>By Kat Walsh</h3>
And just like that, the 61st Annual Water Festival will be coming to a close.

Apparently, time does fly when you  – and several thousand others – are having fun. After a successful opening ceremonies, and a small serving of rain (on a positive note, it cooled things off), Water Festival enjoyed a week of well-attended events and well-behaved attendees.

And we’ve learned a few things that will help you get the most out of the last days of the festival. First, parking. The early bird gets the best parking spot, so go early if possible. Several churches, banks and other businesses allow parking in their lots for a fee (the closer to the park, the higher the fee).

Also, remember to bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water. There are few places to get out of the sun and dehydration can quickly become an issue. EMS paramedics will be more than happy to assist if you need help.

The remaining Water Festival lineup includes:
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Thursday, July 21</b></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Lowcountry Supper</b></p>
<strong>What:</strong> A traditional Lowcountry dinner, beautiful Waterfront Park and amazing entertainment: Eric Daubert, Too Much Sylvia and the Whistlers.

<strong>Location:</strong> Waterfront Park

<strong>Event details:</strong> Tickets $15. Gates open at 6 p.m.  Supper served from 6-7:30 p.m. No refunds, outside food, beverages or coolers. Children age 5 and under are free.
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Friday, July 22</b></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Bed Race</b></p>
<strong>What:</strong> Adults running through the streets of downtown Beaufort, pushing beds on wheels. What’s not to love? Don’t miss the commodore crossing the finish line with his team – the welcoming he receives is all part of this family-friendly event.

<strong>Location:</strong> Corner of Bay and Harrington

<strong>Event details:</strong> $25 entry per team. Same-day registration based on space availability. 4:30 p.m. check-in, 5 p.m. start time. Street closings in effect from 5-6 p.m.
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Saturday, July 23</b></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Water Festival Grand Parade</b></p>
<strong>Location:</strong> Downtown Beaufort

<strong>Event details:</strong> 10 a.m. –noon.
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Air Show</b></p>
<strong>What:</strong> This year’s airshow includes stunt planes, parachutists and a U.S. Coast Guard Search &amp; Rescue demonstration.

<strong>Location:</strong> Waterfront Park

<strong>Event details:</strong> 1-4 p.m. To make sure you see the show and don’t squint your way through it, remember to pack sunglasses.
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Commodore’s Ball</b></p>
<strong>Entertainment:</strong> The Band Punch

<strong>Location:</strong> Waterfront Park

<strong>Event details:</strong> $10 per person. Gates open at 7 p.m.,show at 8 p.m. No refunds, outside food or beverages or coolers. Children age 5 and under free.
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>Sunday, July 24</b></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats</b></p>
<strong>What:</strong> A grand and sentimental ceremony, this tradition is the ideal closing to Water Festival.

<strong>Location:</strong> Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park Seawall

<strong>Event details:</strong> Noon-2 p.m. Boat registration (free) is required to be eligible for prizes. The Beaufort River will be partially closed.

<em>Top photo: Team Irritable Bow from Lowcountry Medical raise their paddles in victory while being towed back to the seawall during the Water Festival Raft Race on July 16 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Irritable Bow made the run in 42.47 seconds. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>

[caption id="attachment_29312" align="aligncenter" width="1020"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/secondary2-water-fest-1A.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-29312"><img class="size-large wp-image-29312" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/secondary2-water-fest-1A-1024x930.jpg" alt="Cub Scouts and Webelos from Pack 1 at Carteret United Methodist Church were on hand to lead in reciting the Pledge of Alligence during the annual Beaufort Water Festival's opening ceremony on July 15. Photo by Bob Sofaly." width="1020" height="926" /></a> Cub Scouts and Webelos from Pack 1 at Carteret United Methodist Church were on hand to lead in reciting the Pledge of Alligence during the annual Beaufort Water Festival's opening ceremony on July 15. Photo by Bob Sofaly.[/caption]