Just buy a weekend pass and explore all 13 sites in the Meeting street area downtown during September 25 & 26, 2010.

To find out more, see what sites are participating, download a map or to get ticket information, visit our special events page for Museum Mile Weekend – Charleston, South Carolina

Take a horsedrawn carriage ride around the historic district, and let your guide tell you about the fascinating history of Charleston. When you have limited time to explore, a guided tour is well worth paying for. You’ll get a great overview and you’ll be able to easily figure out where you want to return to for more details. You might also want to stop by the visitor center downtown for maps, brochures and more details.

There’s always a lot happening in Charleston, but here is the list of the big annual events coming up this fall.

2010 MOJA Arts Festival
A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts
September 23 – October 3, 2010

A Swahili word meaning “One,” MOJA is recognized for its ability to bring people together through a celebration of Western and world cultures. Highlighting African-American and Caribbean fine arts, MOJA will showcase everything from gospel, dance, poetry, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more. For more information, call (843) 724-7305 or visit www.mojafestival.com.

Museum Mile Weekend in Charleston
September 25 – 26, 2010
Charleston is rich in history and culture, and the city has several museums.  If this history is something you love, or you want to visit the museums, don’t forget about this special weekend. You can visit the museums at a reduce rate during this time. Read all about it on our page for Museum Mile Weekend.

34th Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
September 23 – October 24, 2010

This event is sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston. Visitors tour breathtaking gardens, private homes, churches and public buildings showcasing architecture from the early Georgian period to the 20th century. The tours explore Charleston’s neighborhoods which emanate with a culture that started in the Colonial area. For additional information, go to our special event page for Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens, Charleston please call (843) 722-4630 or visit www.preservationsociety.org.

Taste of Charleston
October 8 – 10, 2010

The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association hosts this three-day gastronomical extravaganza highlighting lowcountry cuisine. It features some of Charleston’s finest, nationally recognized chefs. In addition to opportunities to sample the chefs’ creations, the event features an Iron Chef Competition, wine and beer classes, an art walk and live music.

Please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com or call
(843) 577-4030 for more information or read more on our Taste of Charleston page

Low Country Jazz Festival
September 3 – 5,2010
Charleston, SC
Even though it’s only the second time around for The Low Country Jazz Festival, this event is quickly becoming a very popular. Both local and international jazz artists will perform during the festival the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston and various other venues in the area.
Click here to read more about the Low Country Jazz Festival

Hilton Head Jazz and Brew Fest
September 13 -18, 2010
Hilton Head Island, SC
This festival manages to combine several coastal favorites – live music, great food and good beer. The Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival on Hilton Head Island includes include beer tastings, beer and food pairings, and of course plenty of jazz performances. This festival utilizes the coastal locations of the Shelter Cove Community Park and the Shelter Cove Harbour. Click here to read more about Hilton Head Jazz and Brew Fest

Savannah Jazz Festival
September 19 -26, 2010
Savannah, GA
This is one of the most anticipated festivals in Savannah where the best jazz talent gather in Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. This year it’s actually the 27th year for event. There are many live performances, jam session and also film screenings. This outdoor jazz festival is free and open to the public.
Click here to read more about Savannah Jazz Festival

Les deMerle

Amelia Island Jazz Festival
October 3 – 10, 2010
Fernandina Beach, Fl
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island celebrates jazz with a week-long annual festival. The popular event consists of a series of events around the island. This year the headliner is multiple Grammy award-winning pianist, Ramsey Lewis. The festival’s creative director, Les deMerle, has put together a program with world-class jazz artists in a wide variety of styles from Dixieland, Smooth Jazz, Bebop, Big Band, Blues, Latin and to new, state-of-the-art styles. Read more about the Amelia Island Jazz Festival here

Little River Shrimp & Jazz Fest
October 9 – 10, 2010
Little River, SC
This is one of the most anticipated events in Little River near Myrtle Beach. There’s lots of fun for the whole family and lots of live music.
Read more about Little River Shrimp & Jazz Fest

The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival is going to be showcased on My Classic Car with Dennis Gage. Also, you can catch the Festival’s Savannah/Hilton Head Speed Classic on the SPEED Channel Sunday, August 22 at 10:00 PM ET or Tuesday, August 24 at 3:00 PM ET.

For more information about the festival visit our special events page for Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

Beach, Boogie and BBQ in Myrtle Beach

Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival – Myrtle Beach
The annual festival takes place in Grand Park at the Market Common on September 4 – 5, 2010.  Nothing says Summer more than great BBQ and live music on the beach, and this festival has it all.  In addition to music and food, there’s also arts & crafts and lots of other vendors.

Visit our special events page for Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC

BBQ and Bluegrass Festival – Charleston
You really can’t go wrong with delicious bbq and live bluegrass music. It’s a combination fit for a nice weekend celebration, and to top it all off – this festival takes place at beautiful Boonehall Plantation. It’s no surprise that this event is a Lowcountry Labor Day Weekend favorite. The festival takes place on Sunday September 5, 2010.
Read more on our special events page for BBQ and Bluegrass Festival at Boonehall Plantation

Jazz in Charleston

Lowcountry Jazz Festival – Charleston, SC
Another crowd pleaser is of course the Lowcountry Jazz festival also taking place on Labor Day weekend.  The festival celebrates its  second year in 2010. This anticipated music festival brings together international artists and local artists during one extraordinary event.  Concerts take place at a variety of venues in addition to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston.

Read more on our special events page for Lowcountry Jazz Festival in Charleston

Here at Coastal Companion we decided to make our own version of Shark Week. After all, who want’s to spend a whole week watching TV in the summer?

Take a look at our ides for what to do during Shark Week.

Jacksonville Sharks
Guys like to watch hard hits and lots of action, isn’t that how Shark Week got popular in the first place? But when we talk about Sharks in Jacksonville, were not talking about fish with big teeth, we’re talking lots of arena football action with the city’s home team – The Jacksonville Sharks.  It’s the first year for the team, and they are the South Division Champions of the Arena Football League. Take a look at the incredible action in our video from the last game Jacksonville Sharks vs. Spokane Shock!

Fans are have created their own Shark Dance, the dance team is the Shark Attack team – and it’s just a lot of “fin-tastic fun”! (Click here to watch our video and see for yourself) The Jacksonville Sharks are what Discovery Channel commentators would put it “nature’s perfect killing machine”! The team is  in the playoffs and are facing the Orlando Predators at the Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday August 6. The question is are the Predators  going to become shark bait? Yeah, it is definitely Shark Week in Jacksonville.

Love at First Bite in Charleston
In South Carolina the aquarium celebrates Shark Week with a week long celebration of all things Shark.  Catch one of the shark-themed dive shows, participate in new special interactive activities such as ‘Sharkeology’ and ‘Shark Shapes,’ venture through Shark Alley to see the real size of some of these silent giants and of course, marvel at live sharks swimming in the Aquarium’s largest exhibit, the Great Ocean Tank.

For those who swim with the big fish,  on Thursday, August 5, there’s a a FREE showing of the classic shark movie, ‘Jaws’ at the Aquarium’s Movie on the Lawn! See ‘Jaws’ on the big screen with the sound of the ocean just beyond your seat. Lawn opens at 7 p.m. with the movie beginning at dark. Before the movie starts, interact with Aquarium educators rovering the lawn and watch an Aquarium-made short film on shark myths. This is a free showing, although donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the conservation efforts at the Aquarium. Bring your own chair or blanket.

The South Carolina Aquarium will celebrate Shark Week July 30 – August 8, 2010. For more information, visit scaquarium.org/sharkweek or call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

Sandbar Shark, courtesy of: South Carolina Aquarium

Myrtle Beach in August

live music event, festivals and happenings going on during the month of August.  Here are a few tips for fun things to do in August in South Carolina.

There’s a Tobacco Heritage Festival this month.  At this event you can experience the rural heritage of Horry County through demonstrations of traditional farming techniques such as hand stringing and tying tobacco. There are also children’s activities, live entertainment and more.

The Tobacco Festival takes place Horry County Museum’s Living History Farm in Conway, SC on August 7, 2010, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Call 843-915-5320 for more information or visit the Museum’s website.

Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Southern Fried Reggae

Enjoy live reggae music in the Charleston area parks this summer. There are two reggae concerts in the Reggae Nights series taking place in the month of August. The first Reggae Nights concert takes place in Wannamaker Park where Mystic Vibrations is performing live on August 7, 2010. The second concert of the month is at James Island County Park where Jah Works performs on August 21. For more information, visit our special events page to find out more about Live Reggae Music in Charleston

Speaking of live music,  you can enjoy live music, the ocean breeze and the stars above while you  dance the night away on Folly Beach Fishing Pier on August 13.  Read more about this event here – Moonlight Mixers on Folly Beach Pier.

Sometimes the heat in August can be a bit much, and it’s nice to cool off inside in the a/c.

The Craftsmen's Classic™ Arts & Crafts Festival

Handmade & Unique

The Craftsmen’s Classic™ Arts & Crafts Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC, will allow you to do just that. This festival features work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America.  You get an opportunity to close up see how it’s all done as many exhibitors demonstrate throughout the weekend.  This event takes place at Myrtle Beach Convention Center August 6-8, 2010. Visit the event website for more information.

(Click here to get a printable coupon for $1:00 off at the door!)

If you like to shop and find bargains, you have an opportunity to go bargain hunting indoors at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center during the Largest Garage Sale taking place on August 14, 2010.

LUNA by Richard Blake, Clay for Bronze

Shop, Shag & Sculpture

If you’re serious about your shopping and finding the best deals, this event opens already at 7 a.m. in the morning.  Check out our special events page for The Largest Garage Sale in South Carolina for details.

Take your sweetheart by the arm and head out to  the pier in Mount Pleasant for a night of music and dancing. On August 28 Shem Creek Boogie Band is performing. Get more details on our special events page for Shaggin’ on the Cooper

Check out some of the incredible sculptures on exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens this month. The National Sculpture Society’s popular Annual Awards Exhibition opens on August 7, 2010, at Brookgreen Gardens. Here you can see every type of sculpture from traditional to out of this world.
Click here to read more about the Awards Exhibition at Brookgreen Gardens

In Hilton Head, don’t forget to check out HarbourFest, one of the most popular events in the area.  HarbourFest offers live entertainment every night of the week, and there’s even fireworks every Tuesday until August 10, so don’t miss out.  For the complete schedule, visit our special events page for HarbourFest Hilton Head Island, SC

LUNA by Richard Blake, Clay for Bronze

The Annual Awards Exhibition is the National Sculpture Society’s most popular exhibition – and no wonder. The sculptures on display range from the traditional to the otherworldly, and include everything from portrait busts and figures, to animals, both domestic and wild. Almost 200 artists applied to the competition which offers thousands of dollars in cash prizes.

The exhibit opens on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at Brookgreen Gardens. The juried show features the figurative works of 48 members. The show will be exhibited exclusively on the grounds of the historic gardens located on Pawleys Island, where it will be on display through October 31.

Fellows (FNSS), Elected Members (NSS), and Associates comprise the levels of sculptor membership of the organization, which is international in scope and appeal. National Sculpture Society and its members are dedicated to the creation and showcasing of art that is inspired by nature.

WHITE PINE OWL by John Svenson , Wood

National Sculpture Society was founded in New York City in 1893 by a group of America’s most prominent sculptors. Its members have created much of this country’s public sculpture, coins, and medals since the late 1800s. It is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States, and has been hosting exhibitions for over a century.

Sculptors featured in the exhibition include: Seth Alexander; Béla Bácsi, FNSS; Tammy Bality, Richard Becker; Richard Blake, FNSS; Marlys Boddy; Paige Bradley, NSS; Kate Brockman; Mary Buckman; Aldo Casanova, FNSS; Jiwoong Cheh; Tim Cherry, FNSS; Bob Coffee; John Coleman, FNSS; Jane DeDecker, FNSS; Mick Doellinger; Deon Duncan;
Clay Enoch; Edward Fleming; Steven Flom; Gail Folwell;
Jay F. Goldstein; Ingo Heinrich-Appel; Amy Kann, NSS; Robert Kelly; Stephen Layne; Matthew Lewis; Richard A. Moore, III; Dora Natella, NSS; Leo E. Osborne, NSS; Pokey Park; Louise Peterson, FNSS; Tom Player; Alan Proctor; Jim Rennert, NSS; Paul Rhymer; David Rogers;
Rosetta, FNSS; Wayne Salge; Stefan Savides; Sandy Scott, NSS; Tim Shinabarger, FNSS; John Svenson, FNSS; Melinda Whitmore; Ellen Woodbury; Steve Worthington; Gary Yarrington; and Rod Zullo, NSS.

The 77th Annual Awards Exhibition is open daily to the public, 9:30 AM
to 5:00 PM, and is free with regular admission to the Gardens. A catalogue of the show will be made available for purchase at the Brookgreen Gardens gift shop. For more information about National Sculpture Society or this exhibition, please visit www.nationalsculpture.org or www.brookgreens.com.

OCTOHANDY by Richard Moore, III - Bronze

The schedule includes a wide variety of events from arts & craft market, air show, grande parade, boat parade and blessing, dog demonstrations and much much more.

For more details regarding the schedule check out our special events page for the Beaufort Water Festival

Read more on our special events page for Palette and Palate Stroll, Charleston

On Tuesday July 13, 2010, the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, SC, it’s time for another Sustainable Seafood event – this time the event will include craft brews as well. It will be a special night where you get to indulge in seafood and special brews at the Riverside terrace overlooking the Charleston Harbor at the South Carolina Aquarium. All the fun is for a good cause, because proceeds from the event will go towards the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation and education programs.

The special evening will feature sustainable seafood prepared by five of Charleston’s finest chefs, drinks, and a magnificent view. You get to taste a variety of sustainable seafood dishes prepared by the chefs from Fleet Landing, Pearlz, Slightly North of Broad, the Restaurant at Middleton Place and the Boathouse. In addition, there will also be a selection of beer samplings, courtesy of Highland Brewing Company, Brooklyn Brewery and Full Sail Brewing Company.

Tickets for the evening are $25 per Aquarium member, $35 per Aquarium non-member, and all guests must be of ages 21 or older. Advance reservations and payment are required. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

The Family Circle Cup
Daniel Island, SC

Come out to the Lowcountry’s biggest party on August 11, 2010,  when Charleston’s favorite band returns for the eighth consecutive Homegrown Concert.  This concert is always sold out, so don’t hesitate or wait – you need to buy your tickets today! (Link at the bottom of this post!)

The band has asked fans to bring school supplies to the event.  All school supplies are donated to local schools.

Hootie & the Blowfish,  Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, have sold more than 25 million albums since they started back in 1994.  The band established the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation to support children of South Carolina through supporting school music programs.

Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 7:00pm

Click here for tickets!

Enjoy a leisurely walk through America’s oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a variety of summer wines at Middleton Place. During each wine stroll Middleton Place will host the wine tasting in a different garden location.

Wine tasting in the gardens of Middleton Place takes place on Wednesdays from from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10.00 per person and reservations are not required for the event.
Summer Wine Strolls every Wednesday through September.

For more information visit www.middletonplace.org or call (843) 556-6020.

Moonlight Mixer
July 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Come to Folly Beach Fishing Pier where DJ Jim Bowers will spin the hottest oldies and beach music around so you and your significant other can dance the night away under the stars.

Only 600 tickets will be sold for this event. Call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) for more information. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available
Check out our special page for Moonlight Mixer

Reggae Concert Series – Jahfe
July 17, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park

This concert features traditional roots reggae mixed in with a new school attitude. The Reggae Nights concert series takes place in the county parks in the Charleston, SC area all summer long. No advance tickets will be sold. Band subject to change.  Saturday, July 17, 7:30-11 p.m. James Island County Park. $8 or 5 Greenbax/Free: Gold Pass Holders and ages 12 & under.

For more concert dates check out our special page for Reggae Nights

Bluegrass Under the Bridge – Common Ground
July 31, 7 – 11 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier

At the new Mount Pleasant Pier you can listen to some of the best music Charleston has to offer, with bluegrass band Common Ground.   Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Only 800 tickets will be sold for this event. Advance purchase is recommended. There will be no refunds issued or rain dates scheduled for this event. Call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) for more information.

Saturday, July 31, 7-11 p.m. Mount Pleasant Pier. Ages 3 & up. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available

These concerts are organized by the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission. For more information, call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) or visit  www.ccprc.com.

For the month of July Freshfields Village will rock out with live music in a free concert series. Enjoy great music and after-hours shopping.

Friday, July 2, 6pm – 9pm – The Coconut Grove Band begins the Village’s celebration of the July 4th weekend with Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, True Blue Standards and popular island tunes. Bring a chair or blanket.

Sunday, July 4th, 3pm – 6pm – Feel the beat of the islands with the Island Trio, who bring people to their feet with a mix of Calypso, Reggae, Beach and Rock & Roll.

Friday, July 9th, 6pm – 9pm – The David Archer Band returns to the Village crowds that love them, playing Rthymn & Blues, Rock & Roll and other tunes that prompt guests to dance the night away.

Friday, July 16th, 6pm – 9pm – Known all along the Carolina coast and a Lowcountry favorite; singer, songwriter Shrimp City Slim performs modern Blues to his own original tunes.

Friday, July 23rd, 6pm – 9pm – Originally known as a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, the Rum Punch Bandits expand their music to include Beach, Classic and Tex-Rock. A seven piece band first played at the Village in November 2000. Bring a chair or blanket and welcome Rum Punch Bandits back to the Green.

Friday, July 30th, 6pm – 9pm The whole family will enjoy the evening to the max when The Maxx hits the stage with hits from the 50s, 60s 70s and 80s. Nostalgia, and then some.

Visit Freshfield Village for more

Many of us visit coastal South Carolina for summer vacation, a coastal weekend getaway or maybe even romantic weekend getaway.

Here are some ideas of fun things to do for the 4th of July weekend 2010 in South Carolina.

MYRTLE BEACH
There are lots of events in Myrtle Beach – from fireworks to music and even an Italian festival.  Click here to check out our special page Fourth of July Events in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Boat Parade on 4th of July

MURRELLS INLET JULY 4TH BOAT PARADE
Many places have a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July, but in Murrells Inlet the festivities keep a coastal theme. This year it’s time for the 28th Annual July 4th Boat Parade.

Here you can see a line of red, white and blue decorated boats cruising down the creek for the Murrells Inlet Fourth of July parade. The theme for the 28th annual parade is “2010: Freedom is In”.

Boat decoration contest entry forms available at Garden City Realty, Dunes Realty, Crazy Sister Marina or Booty’s. Entry costs $5. You only need to enter if you want to be judged in the decoration contest. Any boat is welcome to join in the parade at no charge.

The best view of the parade is said to be the Marshwalk area. Plan to arrive early for a great viewing spot. The Boat Parade on July 4, 2010, starts at 1:00 pm at Garden City Point area, arriving around MarshWalk area around 1:45-2:00 pm.

After the boat parade, cool off at one of the many restaurants, have a cold beverage and relax. Finish off the day with fireworks.
Call 843-357-2007 for more information or visit murrellsinletsc.org

Fireworks – Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet also has a July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at 10pm. New for 2010 is the staging area – right off the end of Veterans Pier! Independence Day is a big day in Murrells Inlet and thousands of people are expected to line the shores for the fireworks. For more information call 843-357-2007.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The 25th Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 Road Race and Family Fun Walk will be held on Sunday, July 4 at 8:00am from the Mall at Shelter Cove.
The Time Warner Cable Firecracker 5000, is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County. Over 1000 runners and walkers of all ages and ability from across the United States annually participate in this fun event.
www.bearfootsports.com

SHELTER COVE

There’s a special Fourth of July fireworks show at Shelter Cove Harbour, offering a vibrant extravaganza of light over the harbor.

Go here to visit our page about Hilton Head Island – 4th of July

CHARLESTON

Patriot’s Point
The Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point in Charleston, South Carolina, is the ultimate Independence Day celebration.  The fireworks show has been named “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” by the New York Times.  Fireworks are launched from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown.
Read all about the 4th of July Blast at Patriot’s Point

Independence Weekend at Middleton Place
Middleton Place starts already on Friday July 2, 2010, with a special Naturalization Ceremony.  There is no more suitable place in Charleston, SC, for a Naturalization Ceremony than Middleton Place, the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 60-75 candidates will pledge alligence to the flag and become U.S.  citizens at this event.  Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Middleton Place Foundation President Charles Duell will kick off the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. under the grand live oaks.  The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services will swear in the candidates. Color guard and costumed interpreters will present theflag and sing the national anthem. This event is open to the publics.  Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.  Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.  America’s newest citizens are welcome to tour the gardens after the ceremony free of charge.

Fourth of July at Middleton Place

American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.  For more information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org

Uncle Sam Jam on July 4
Come to Mount Pleasant Pier to enjoy live beach music under the stars. The music starts at 8 p.m. This Independence Day, the East Coast Party Band is performing. The pier is located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge on Charleston Harbor.

The Mount Pleasant Pier will be a great spot to view the area’s fireworks displays!  Gates open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m.  Tickets will be limited, so purchase yours in advance.  On-site tickets, if available, will be $10.  Beverages will be available for purchase on site.
For more information, call 843-795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs headline the 2nd Annual Boone Hall Beach Blast on Saturday June 26, 2010. Maurice Williams is best known for his number one hit “Stay” which was also featured in , “Dirty Dancing,” starring the late Patrick Swayze. But Williams rose to the top of billboard’s charts back in 1964 with the big hit “May I”.

The Mighty Tams are also appearing at the event, this group is well-known in beach music circles. Their entertaining performance includes
memorable hits and choreographed dancing. Other performers are The
Fantastic Shakers, The Sugar Bees, and reggae music by The Mystic Vibrations.

The Tams

But there’s more than music at this event. No Beach Party is complete without a bikini contest – so Boone Hall hosts its own. There will also be
volleyball, shag lessons, and much more.

Beer, wine, and “beach” style food will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and beach blankets and find your spot on the beautiful back lawn at Boone Hall Plantation.

Schedule – Gates open 11am

12:00 – 1:45 Mystic Vibrations
2:00 – 3:00 – Sizzling Summer Bikini Contest
3:30 – 4:30 – The SugarBees
5:00 – 6:30 – The Fantastic Shakers
7:00 – 8:30 – The Tams
9:00 – 10:30 – Maurice Williams – The Zodiacs

For more information, visit www.boonehallplantation.com

Come watch when Folly Beach turn into a real competition for real lifeguards. David Hasselhoff would probably not qualify for a spot in this tough contest – and I don’t think Pamela Anderson is coming either – but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun to watch.

Local and regional lifeguards will come together to compete in a challenge that showcases and tests lifesaving skills, the 13th Annual SCRPA Lifeguard Competition, on Friday, June 25.

Organized by Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, the day-long event brings together beach, pool and waterpark lifeguards from across South Carolina. The competition is held on behalf of the SCRPA Aquatics Branch with the goal of encouraging guards to improve their lifesaving skills and training.

“The lifeguard competition continues to be a motivating tool for lifeguards throughout South Carolina, giving them the chance to perfect and test their skills against fellow lifeguards,” said Michael Bradley, CCPRC’s Assistant Ocean Access Manager.

Bradley adds that lifeguard teams from across the state are encouraged to sign up. “Participants get the opportunity to have fun and compete in a variety of events in both the pool and ocean settings,” he says.

The competition kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with pool events at the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department’s R.L. Jones Center pool, then moves to Folly Beach County Park around 1 p.m.

Pool events at the R.L. Jones Center feature team competition in both speed races and lifesaving techniques, including Spinal Injury Management, Brick Tow Relay, 50-Yard Sprint, Submerged Deep Water Rescue with CPR, 500-Yard Swim and 100-Yard Relay events. The action-packed beach events on Folly will have teams running in and out of the water as they simulate rescues and compete in fitness tests, including the Run-Swim-Run, One-Mile Run, Beach Flags and Active Rescue events.

An awards ceremony will immediately follow the competition, with awards given to first, second and third-placing teams.

To qualify to compete, all participants must be certified through an accredited agency. Teams must be composed of 3 to 4 members, with at least one male and one female on each team. Entry fees are $50 per team and proof of certification must be furnished with registration.

Competitions are open to the public. For more information call (843) 795-PARK or email mbradley@ccprc.com.

This summer, a series of free family movies will be screened outdoors. The movie night is held at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier, the first of the series will be a 2010 Oscar award-winning family film presented on Saturday, June 26.

Bring chairs and spread out on the park’s Great Lawn to enjoy an evening movie on the giant inflatable screen.

Parking fees of 50 cents per hour will apply during the movie. Drinks, treats and snacks will be available for purchase at the pier’s Riverwatch Cafe, and on-site vendors will sell kettle corn, boiled peanuts, Italian ice and beverages. At the foot of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge, stretching out into the Charleston Harbor, the scenic Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier will be a great spot to bring the family to enjoy an evening under the stars in the cool harbor breeze! This event is presented by the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission.

All movies begin at 9 p.m. on select Saturdays throughout the summer and early fall.

It looks like the organizers has made a list of great movies for us to watch again – and for the younger ones to enjoy for the first time ever. Just take a look at the impressive list below!

Movie dates at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier are:

• June 26 – The Blind Side
• July 24 – E.T.
• August 14 – City Slickers
• September 18 – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
• October 2 – Rudy

Bring friends and family out to enjoy a free films under the stars! The Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and the Mount Pleasant Pier are located at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge at 71 Harry Hallman Blvd. For further details or info on movie showings, visit www.ccprc.com/movies or call 843-795-4FUN (4386).

Every year Myrtle Beach, SC, celebrates the summer season with the Sun Fun Festival. This weekend it’s time for the big kick off event with a parade, free concerts, celebraty appearances, vendors, Jet Ski Championship and much more.

Click here to read more about the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach

Contemporary Charleston 2010 features 10 local visual artists who are creating works specifically for the exhibit that have been inspired by the work of 10 local poets. The exhibit will also feature a documentary on the exhibit, from the meeting of the artists to the creation of the work, by the local filmmaker from Contemporary Charleston 2009, Austin Nelson. The visual artists and poet match-ups are as follows:

Artist, Timmy Pakron and Carol Anne Davis, poet
Artist, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Paul Allen, poet
Artist, Scott Debus and Brian Penberthy, poet
Artist, Kat Hastie and Katherine Williams, poet
Artist, Sarah Haynes and Dennis Ward Stiles, poet
Artist, Jocelyn Chateauvert and Carol Peters, poet
Artist, Max Miller and Morrow Dowdle, poet
Artist, Julio Cotto and Jonathan Sanchez, poet
Artist, Hirona Matsuda and Marcus Amaker, poet
Artist, Lynne Riding and Ellie Davis, poet
All the visual artists will hold lectures and demonstrations regarding their contribution to the exhibit on the following dates:
June 5: Scott Debus and Jocelyn Chateauvert
June 12: Kat Hastie and Lynne Riding
June 19: Hirona Matsuda and Julio Cotto
June 26: Timmy Pakron and Sarah Haynes
July 3: Max Miller and Ben Hollingsworth

The exhibit is open May 20 to July 3, 2010. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. During The Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park is open special hours, Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The City Gallery at Waterfront Park, owned by the City of Charleston and operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, is a venue for contemporary artwork that is new, vital and innovative, with a focus on broadening Charleston’s arts outlook. The City Gallery provides access to the visual arts for everyone in Charleston, S.C., visitors and residents alike, by offering exhibits that are all admission-free. The City Gallery is located at 34 Prioleau St. in downtown Charleston, S.C., and gallery hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, please call or e-mail the City Gallery at (843) 958-6484 or CityGallery@ci.charleston.sc.us and visit www.charlestonarts.sc.

Only 800 tickets will be sold, no advance purchase. But tickets ($10 per person) will be available for purchase at the Pier shop beginning at 4pm on the day of each event.

For more information, visit www.ccprc.com

Beach Music Festival
Come out and meet the star from TLC “The Cake Boss” himself, Buddy Valestro, as he creates a giant flip flop cake. The Beach Music Festival is part of the month-long Mayfest celebration in Myrtle Beach, SC. The event features free concerts with Ben E. King, the Coasters, the Embers and other bands. The Beach Music Festival in Myrtle Beach ends with fireworks.

Schedule of Events:
Saturday, May 15, 2010 in Downtown Myrtle Beach
Ocean Blvd. between 8th Ave. N. and 9th Ave. N.
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ~ FREE

10 a.m. Official Kick Off to the Beach Music Festival
Food Vendors Open – Arts/Crafts Vendors Open

10 a.m.- 11:15 a.m. Live Entertainment by The Embers
from Raleigh, NC. The Embers have been playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul for decades.

11: 30 a.m.-12: 45 p.m. Live Entertainment by Jim Quick & Coastline from Wilmington, NC. Coastline performs an eclectic blend of soul, blues, and rock.

12 Noon – 12:30 p.m. Boardwalk and Promenade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on the boardwalk between 8th & 9th Ave. N.

12:30 p.m.- 1 p.m. Gigantic Flip-Flop Cake Reveal with Buddy “The Cake Boss” Valastro sponsored by Vineyard Vines

1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Character Meet & Greet with Buddy “The Cake Boss” Valastro

1 p.m.- 2:15 p.m. Live Entertainment by Billy Scott & The Party Prophets from NC. The Prophets have performed classic beach music across the southeast.

2:30 p.m.- 3:45 p.m. Live Entertainment by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs from Charlotte, NC. Maurice Williams is one of the most extraordinarily durable figures in the history of classic rhythm-and-blues and rock ‘n roll.

4 p.m.- 5:15 p.m. Live Entertainment by Mark Roberts & The Breeze from Georgetown, SC featuring the best in Dance, Funk, Rock n Roll, Motown, Beach Music, and some Country.

5:30 p.m.- 6:45 p.m. Live Entertainment by The Coasters
performing classic doo-wop and R&B.

7 p.m.- 8:15 p.m. Live Entertainment by The Catalinas from Charlotte, NC performing classic and original beach music.

8:45 p.m.- 9:45 p.m. Live Entertainment by Ben E. King
Possessing one of the most elegant baritone voices ever, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alumnus Ben E. King’s imprint on the musical landscape is so indelible that an optimum barometer has been set for countless aspiring performers.

FIREWORKS TO FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTER LAST PERFORMANCE!

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Approximately 1 mile of the 1.2 mile boardwalk is complete and open to the public. The boardwalk is currently open from just north of the 14th Avenue Pier to Fourth Avenue North.
The remaining section of the new boardwalk project, from Fourth Avenue North to just south of the Second Avenue Pier, will take a little longer to be completed.

The mile-long Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade traverses from the 14th Avenue to 2nd Avenue Piers in Myrtle Beach. The boardwalk will provide oceanfront views of the pristine beachline and is divided into three different sections.

The northernmost portion will wind down from the 14th Avenue North Pier to Plyler Park.
The mid-section will be located from Plyler Park to the former Pavilion Amusement Park site at 8th Avenue North and will encompass more of a carnival-like atmosphere with oceanfront dining and businesses. The southernmost end of the boardwalk leading up to the 2nd Avenue pier will have a meandering oceanfront park.