Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Lifeguard Competition – Folly Beach, SC

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Baywatch in Real Life

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.

Free Family Film – Mt Pleasant, SC

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Free Family Film this Summer at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier!

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).

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival – Mt Pleasant, SC

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Our area is rich in history and culture, and one of the most fascinating cultures is the Gullah Geechee. This weekend you can learn more about the Gullah Geeche culture at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival in South Carolina. This festival has the largest showcase of authentic sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry, but the festival offers music, arts and craft, storytelling and much more.
Click here to read more about the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

Cinco de Mayo in Charleston, SC

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Cinco de MayoThis year it’s actually the  fifth annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival. The event will take place on Saturday, May 1st, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston from 7p.m. to 11p.m. The celebration will feature Orquesta Mayor, DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove, (R)evolution:Genesis, Latin Groove Kids, Professional Salsa Dance Performances and a Salsa Dance Competition (Winner receives $200).

May 5th marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States, this day has become a celebration known as “Cinco de Mayo.” It has become a time to commemorate Mexican heritage and culture.

Come celebrate on Saturday, May 1st! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan White HIV Care Program at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

Charleston Cinco de Mayo FestivalSchedule
7:00-7:45 DJ Luigi
7:45-8:00 Salsa Kids
8:00-8:45 Oruestra Mayor – Set 1
8:45-9:00 Buen Ache
9:00-9:15 Arthur Murray
9:15-10:00 Oruestra Mayor – Set 2
10:00-10:15 Salsa Competition
10:15010:30 Femme Fatales
10:30-11:00 (R)evolution Reggeton Group

Tickets
$8 online, pre-event (make sure to bring PayPal receipt to event)
$10 at the door
Kids 12 and under get in FREE

Food and drink are sold separately. Cash only.  For more information and tickets visit www.charlestoncinco.com

North Charleston Arts Festival 2010

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The 2010 North Charleston Arts Festival takes place from April 30 – May 8, 2010. The celebration lasts for nine whole days and the festival is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the Lowcountry.

North Charleston Arts festivalThe Main Event
The Main Event, held May 1st and 2nd at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four stages featuring national, regional, and local professional performers, ethnic and cultural groups. Other activities include judged art, photography, youth art, and fine craft exhibitions, a gem & mineral show, children’s activities, Art & Craft booths, and an Outdoor Food Court.

The Festival Week
Concerts, theater and dance performances, children’s programs, literary events, and multi-cultural block parties are just some of the offerings during the Festival Week. The Arts Festival has over 50 free or moderately priced ticketed events throughout the week at various locations around North Charleston. Festival Week offerings include concerts, theater and dance performances, children’s programs, literary events, block parties, an Art Walk, and much more.

The Grand Finale
The festivities conclude on Saturday, May 8, with the Grand Finale at Riverfront Park, featuring a variety of concerts and activities, as well as a fantastic fireworks display over the Cooper River.

For more information call 843-745-1087 or visit www.northcharleston.org