By Kat Walsh
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:
Thursday, July 21
Lowcountry Supper
What: A traditional Lowcountry dinner, beautiful Waterfront Park and amazing entertainment: Eric Daubert, Too Much Sylvia and the Whistlers.
Location: Waterfront Park
Event details: 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.
Friday, July 22
Bed Race
What: 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.
Location: Corner of Bay and Harrington
Event details: $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.
Saturday, July 23
Water Festival Grand Parade
Location: Downtown Beaufort
Event details: 10 a.m. –noon.
Air Show
What: This year’s airshow includes stunt planes, parachutists and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demonstration.
Location: Waterfront Park
Event details: 1-4 p.m. To make sure you see the show and don’t squint your way through it, remember to pack sunglasses.
Commodore’s Ball
Entertainment: The Band Punch
Location: Waterfront Park
Event details: $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.
Sunday, July 24
Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats
What: A grand and sentimental ceremony, this tradition is the ideal closing to Water Festival.
Location: Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park Seawall
Event details: Noon-2 p.m. Boat registration (free) is required to be eligible for prizes. The Beaufort River will be partially closed.
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.
