St. Helena Island Community Rallies Against Traffic Issues During Heritage Days Parade
BEAUFORT — Tensions were high recently at a County Council meeting on St. Helena Island as local residents openly expressed their frustrations regarding the handling of the annual Heritage Days parade. For over 40 years, this beloved tradition has filled the Lowcountry sea island with vibrancy, celebrating the rich Gullah-Geechee history and culture. However, this year’s event took an unexpected turn when the customary closure of U.S. Highway 21 was altered.
A New Approach Raises Eyebrows
On November 9, instead of allowing the parade to flow peacefully without traffic disturbances, deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office escorted vehicles down one lane of the busy highway while the parade proceeded on another. This decision did not sit well with parade participants and community leaders, who were vocal about their concerns during the council meeting.
The words “Frustrating,” “Disrespectful,” and “Dangerous” echoed through the gathering as residents voiced their apprehensions. Many felt that this shift in tradition posed a significant risk, particularly for the safety of children and participants alike.
Local Leaders Weigh In
Among those expressing their concerns was Sheriff PJ Tanner, who justified the decision by highlighting the increased traffic in the area over the years, stating, “It’s just not realistic to close the highway for hours anymore.” He explained that even with the adjusted parade route, clearing the area took an hour and a half.
Robert Adams, Executive Director of the Penn Center, which hosts the parade, acknowledged the situation as a “learning experience.” “We all knew it was going to be an experiment,” Adams stated. “We have to go back to the drawing board to find a different way to get it done.”
The Crucial Importance of Tradition
Deloris Pringle, the chairwoman of the Penn Center’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, saying, “The decision not to close the road to traffic threatened the safety of everyone in the parade. This was unacceptable.” The Penn School, established back in 1865, has played a vital role in the education of formerly enslaved people and has served as a cornerstone in civil rights movements.
Since 1981, the Heritage Days Celebration has grown from a simple parade into a three-day extravaganza encompassing music, food, performances, and educational seminars, drawing in over 10,000 attendees in recent years.
Voices from the Community
Local pastor Rev. Jack Ladson, who has ministered in the area for over twenty years, conveyed his distress regarding the day’s events, stating, “I witnessed something Saturday that I couldn’t sleep over. Kids could have gotten run over.” He drew comparisons to other parades in Beaufort County, where streets are routinely closed without issue.
Despite community pushback, Sheriff Tanner stood firm in his belief that managing traffic while allowing the parade to proceed was the safest option given the circumstances. “I know there’s a lot of people who don’t like the change,” he remarked, “but we need to find middle ground on how they can have a parade on a U.S. highway and also allow traffic to keep moving.”
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue, Tanner plans to meet with parade organizers to explore solutions for next year. Pringle remains hopeful for positive change, expressing, “I don’t think some people understand how important this parade is. It’s an old-fashioned way to celebrate and share the culture.”
The community’s commitment to preserving their cultural heritage shines through in their passionate response to parade logistics. As they grapple with balancing modern traffic challenges and upholding time-honored traditions, residents of St. Helena Island remain dedicated to ensuring that their legacy is celebrated safely for years to come.
