A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CELEBRATE THE SEVENTIETH BEAUFORT WATER FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD JULY 17-26, 2026; TO THANK DUSTY VICKERS FOR SERVING AS COMMODORE FOR THIS YEAR'S FESTIVAL; 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 seventieth annual festival extravaganza from July 17-26, 2026, and that Dusty Vickers will serve as commodore for the 2026 festival under this year's theme, "Sunny Days & Friendship Waves." Dusty will be joined by his lovely wife, Jessica, and their two children, Rylee and Wyatt, at this platinum anniversary celebration of the festival; 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 consistently has 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, the festival is never complete without those two festival favorites, the Lowcountry Supper and Commodore's Ball, which Commodore and Mrs. Vickers, along with their children, will host this year. From the festival's early days, when it cost fifty cents to attend the beauty pageant and a dollar per couple to attend what was then called the Water Festival Ball, the festival has drawn increasing numbers of participants to Beaufort from other parts of the State and nation; and

 

Whereas, the coordinators for the 2026 festival include Cori Talbert, program coordinator; John Hazel, administrative coordinator; Shelley Kolb, marketing and public relations coordinator; Kyle Gentry, parks coordinator; Greg Godfrey, productions coordinator; Katie Jindrich, sales and merchandise coordinator; John Turbeville, sponsors coordinator; Samantha Aimar, sports coordinator; Meredith Keene, treasurer; and Cely Johnson, water and air coordinator; and

 

Whereas, hundreds of volunteers work long hours, as well, to bring outstanding events to the festival, including reasonably priced first-class entertainment, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors. 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 and providing a visual feast for the eyes; and

 

Whereas, on Friday, July 17, the opening ceremony is expected to provide fabulous entertainment from the Parris Island Marine Band, as well as fireworks. Events during the week offer activities for children, teens, couples, and families, including a raft race and a bed race; tournaments for bocce, badminton, and children's toad fishing; an air show with stunt planes and a talent show; a teen dance; and the Water Festival Grand Parade. Concert in the Park will present headliner Joe Nichols with special guest Tyler Reese Tritt, while Motown Monday will have entertainment from Deas-Guyz, and Rockin' the River will feature Hot Red Chili Peppers; and

 

Whereas, every year, the day after the Commodore's Ball, the festival ends with the graceful Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats, sponsored by the past commodores of the Beaufort Water Festival and held on the Beaufort River; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives commends the efforts of the many people who, working together, make the Beaufort Water Festival a success. The members appreciate the significant impact the beautiful 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 seventieth Beaufort Water Festival, to be held July 17-26, 2026; thank Dusty Vickers for serving as commodore for this year's festival; 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 Dusty Vickers.

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