Beaufort Celebrates Community Spirit and Heritage
Beaufort is a city bustling with life, and recently, a series of exciting events reminded everyone just how vibrant this Lowcountry gem truly is. From honoring fantastic citizens, such as Alvin Settles and Lt. Col. Larry Dandridge, to making strides in preservation and festivities, there’s a lot to unpack!
Celebrating a Local Legend
On November 14, 2022, the swimming pool at the Charles Lind Brown Center was honored with the name of a beloved community figure, Alvin Settles. Settles gave over 30 years of his life teaching swimming lessons to countless kids, ensuring they felt safe and confident in the water. His dedication created waves of encouragement around the community, making Beaufort a better place one lesson at a time. Naming the pool after him is a fitting tribute, as his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to enjoy the joys of swimming.
Highest Honor for a Local Hero
The very next day, on November 15, 2022, Beaufort had more to celebrate as Lt. Col. Larry Dandridge, U.S. Army, ret., was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Dandridge, a regular contributor to the local community, has made significant contributions in various fields. Being recognized with such a prestigious award is no small feat, and residents can undoubtedly applaud his service and commitment. This honor just goes to show the caliber of individuals Beaufort has among its ranks!
A Step Forward for Preservation
Beaufort is not only about celebrating its people but also cherishing its past! In 2022, the Beaufort City Council approved an updated version of the Beaufort Preservation Manual, affectionately known as the Milner Report. This important document will guide the ongoing preservation efforts of Beaufort’s historic structures, ensuring that the rich history of our town is maintained for future generations. It’s a relief to see such care taken to protect the beautiful architecture and stories woven throughout the city!
A Festival of Pride
Fast forward to November 18, 2022, and we witnessed another milestone: the inaugural Lowcountry Pride Festival took place in Port Royal for the very first time! This annual festival is all about celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and community spirit. Residents and visitors alike gathered for a day filled with heartwarming events, performances, and plenty of fun! Festivals like these remind us that Beaufort is a welcoming place for everyone.
A Thrilling MMA Event Steals the Spotlight
The excitement didn’t stop there! Just a day later, on November 19, 2022, The Foundry in Beaufort hosted the first-ever Beaufort Brawl mixed martial arts event. Fans gathered for an adrenaline-fueled evening of competitions, uniting enthusiasts from all over to witness fierce battles inside the ring. The atmosphere was electric, and it was a fantastic way to promote local talent and bring the community together for some unforgettable entertainment.
History Remembered
As we celebrate current events, let’s not forget our historical roots! A glance back to November 7, 1861, reveals a pivotal moment when Union warships attacked Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard, showcasing the significance of Beaufort in the broader context of history. Additionally, November 3, 1874, marked the election of Beaufort’s own Robert Smalls to the South Carolina Legislature—a trailblazer in more ways than one!
With so much going on, Beaufort remains a city alive with history, heart, and community spirit. As we continue to look forward, let’s cherish our past and celebrate our bright future together!
