A house RESOLUTION

TO CELEBRATE THE SIXTY-eighth BEAUFORT WATER FESTIVAl TO BE HELD ON JULY 12 THROUGH 21, 2024, AND TO HONOR THOSE WHO ORGANIZE, SPONSOR, VOLUNTEER FOR, AND PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Beaufort Water Festival will hold its sixty-eighth annual festival extravaganza from July 12 through 21, 2024; and

Whereas, once a year in midsummer, the sea island that holds Beaufort sets the stage for one of the South's largest outdoor events, which has consistently been successful and has grown more significant since its inauguration in July 1956. In spite of its growth, the Beaufort Water Festival is still a community-wide, nonprofit venture, and the Lions Club has taken responsibility every year for organizing the festival's parade; and

Whereas, from the early days of the festival when it cost fifty cents to attend the beauty pageant and a dollar per couple to attend the Water Festival Ball, now called the Commodore's Ball, the festival has drawn increasing numbers of participants to Beaufort from other parts of the State and nation; and

Whereas, hundreds of volunteers work long hours to bring outstanding events to the festival, including reasonably priced first-class entertainment, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors. Coordinators Todd Stowe, Cely Johnson, Dusty Vickers, Shelley Kolb, Jerry Ashmore, Cori Tolbert, Katie Jindrich, Greg Godfrey, Meredith Keene, and Kyle Gentry have worked tirelessly to ensure that this year's festival is second to none; and

Whereas, the festival arts and crafts market opens on the Promenade at Waterfront Park every day during the festival, offering a selection of artisanship from craftsmen of the Lowcountry and beyond who provide a visual feast for the eyes; and

Whereas, on Friday, July 12, the opening ceremony is expected to provide fabulous entertainment from the Parris Island Marine Band as well as fireworks. Events during the week include activities for children, teens, couples, and families, including: a raft and bed race; tournaments for bocce, badminton, and children's toad fishing; shrimp boat displays; an air show and a talent show; a teen dance and river dance; and the Water Festival Grand Parade. The Concert in the Park will present Parmalee, HunterGirl, and Katie Lynn, while Motown Monday will have entertainment from Deas-Guyz, and Rockin' the River will feature Queen Flash; and

Whereas, the festival would not be complete without festival favorites, the Lowcountry supper, and the Commodore's Ball. The commodore for the 2024 festival is Josh Schott, who is the son of 2009 Commodore Wilmot Schott, and the theme this year will be "A Summer to Remember"; and

Whereas, the festival ends every year with the graceful Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats, sponsored by the past commodores of the Beaufort Water Festival on the Beaufort River in front of the Waterfront Park Seawall; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina commends the efforts of the many people who, working together, make the 2024 Beaufort Water Festival a success. The members value the significant impact which the shores of Beaufort have in attracting tourists to the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the sixty-eighth Beaufort Water Festival to be held on July 12 through 21, 2024, and honor those who organize, sponsor, volunteer for, and participate in the festival.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Commodore Josh Schott.

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