History of the Beaufort Water Festival

68 Years of Tradition and Fun

Beaufort, South Carolina, is set to kick off the 68th year of its annual Beaufort Water Festival. This major event, serving as an anchor for the Lowcountry region, has its origins dating back to 1956 and has grown exponentially since. What started as a minor gathering, expected to draw just a couple hundred visitors, quickly gained popularity and now welcomes up to 70,000 attendees year after year.

A Celebration Born From Business

The Beaufort Water Festival was originally conceptualized by a group of local business owners who wanted to transform Beaufort into a sought-after destination. They saw the potential in the city’s scenic waterways and decided to build an event centered around it. The festival’s name pays tribute to Beaufort’s unique relationship with water, capturing the essence of the city drowned in its coastal charm.

Events Through the Years

Over the decades, the festival has offered wide-ranging activities, drawing a diverse crowd from around the region and beyond. From beauty pageants to dances and even more unconventional activities like pickleball and croquet, the festival has continually evolved to cater to all tastes and interests.

Growing From Chaos and Fun

The festival’s success and longevity haven’t come without its fair share of unpredictable moments. As Todd Stowe, the festival’s unofficial historian, recalls, “We’ve had crazy things like a parachutist landing on the roof of a building!” Despite the occasional chaos, the festival’s spirit has remained undeterred, continually drawing in new visitors while upholding traditions dear to the local community.

A Family Affair in the Lowcountry

Over the years, the Beaufort Water Festival has grown into another category- a family tradition. “Now that the festival’s grown, we have children coming back for homecoming, we have grandchildren coming back for homecoming. So we bring a lot of people back, that don’t live here anymore,” says Stowe, emphasizing how the event has become a beacon of nostalgia and cause for homecoming for many native to the area.

Awaiting the 68th Beaufort Water Festival

As the 68th Beaufort Water Festival prepares to unfold, it carries on a cherished tradition that continues to put this charming South Carolina city on the map. It’s a celebration of the community, the rich coastal environment, and, most importantly, a testament to the city’s enduring appeal.