Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Gingerbread House Contest in Charleston, SC

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The Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition is a beloved Lowcountry tradition and now it’s time to warm up your ovens, gather up sugar, spices, and add a spoonful of creativity to the mix to participate. Registration for the 12th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition is open now through November 5.

[picappgallerysingle id=”5100727″]Here are the basic rules;

Houses must be made entirely of edible materials (except the base), and cannot exceed 18” in width, length or height. Entries will be judged based on creativity, overall appearance, difficulty, and craftsmanship.

Houses can be entered in one of four different age categories – ages 6 and under, ages 7-11, ages 12-16 or ages 17 and up. The contest will be judged by a panel of 20 people, with each house judged individually in each category.

The top three entries in each category will be displayed in Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and other locations during the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Contest coordinator Marianne Bower encourages creative bakers of all ages and experience levels to participate in this fun event. She suggests the use of gingerbread house patterns to help with construction of your ginger bread house masterpiece, but not to use “all-in-one” kits.

“There are many websites out there that provide inspiration for unique and amazing creations,” said Bower. Entries must be actual “domiciles;” however, Bower says that she has seen a number of unusual gingerbread houses, including churches, trains, and once, even the Millennium Falcon from “Star Wars”.

Registration ends Friday, November 5. An award ceremony for the top winners will take place at the Park Center at James Island County Park as part of the opening of the annual Holiday Festival of Lights on November 12. The award ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to read more about The Holiday Festival of Lights will be open November 12, 2010 – January 2, 2011 at James Island County Park.

Participants are encouraged to sign up through the Park and Program Services Center by calling 843-795-4FUN. Or, download an application in pdf format right here.

Things to do in South Carolina – October 2010

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There is a lot to do in South Carolina during the month of October. Just take a look at some of the events we have come up with. (Also, don’t forget to check out our weekly video Podcast with the October Events episode)

First Friday on Broad

October 1, 2010

First Friday on Broad in Charleston

On the first Friday of each month for “First Fridays on Broad” and enjoy fine art and refreshments in the boutiques, fine art galleries, and bodegas on Historic Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina.  More information here – First Friday on Broad

Beaufort Shrimp Festival – Beaufort, SC

October 1 – 2, 2010
This shrimp festival takes place at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in historic Beaufort, South Carolina. There’s a lot going on for the whole family at this event – more details on our page for Beaufort Shrimp Festival.

Latin American Festival – Charleston, SC

October 3, 2010
Spice things up with a Latin American Festival in Wannamaker County Park. This popular festival has been going on for 19 years now. Read more about the Latin American Festival here.

Taste of Charleston

Taste of Charleston

October 8 – 10, 2010
This is one of most popular festivals in Charleston every year with lots of events around town. Check out the culinary village in Marion Square – but there’s a lot more going on. Read all about the event on our page for Taste of Charleston.

Little River Shrimp Festival

October 9 -10, 2010
Little River in South Carolina puts up a big shrimp festival every year with fun for the whole family. Find out more on the page for Little River Shrimp Festival

Art in the Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

October 9, 2010
This event takes place several times throughout the year. Come to Chapin Park to take a look at fascinating art objects and to mingle. More details – Art in the Park, Myrtle Beach

Shaggin' on the cooper
Bring your dancing shoes!

Shaggin’ on the Cooper – Mt Pleasant, SC

October 9, 2010
If you can’t make it on the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars” you can without doubt make it to Mt Pleasant pier and dance under the stars. The Coopertones are playing. More information here for Shaggin’ on the Cooper

Oktoberfest – Myrtle Beach, SC
October 9, 2010

The Oceanfront Merchants Association and the City of Myrtle Beach will sponsor Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 9, on Ocean Boulevard, from Eighth Avenue North to Mr. Joe White Avenue.  Admission is free!  The festival begins at noon and concludes with a firework show at 10:35 p.m.  Ocean Boulevard will showcase both food and art vendors.

Moonlight Mixer – Folly Beach, SC

October 15, 2010
Enjoy the mild evenings on the pier in Folly Beach where you can dance the night away and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean. This is the last mixer for the season. Read more about the Moonlight Mixer here.

Look Dad!

Children’s Day Festival – Mt Pleasant, SC

October 17, 2010
This event is for the kids and here you will find anything that a child would want from a festival including climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, clowns and much, much more. Get the scoop here. Children’s Day Festival

Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival

October 17 – 24, 2010
Many cities on the coast holds seafood festivals in the fall, but Bluffton combines seafood with another favorite type of festival – the arts festival. At this event you can get a little bit of both. Read more here – Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival.

Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens – Beaufort, SC

October 22 – 24, 2010
During this event you get the opportunity to tour private homes and plantations in the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District and surrounding Lowcountry. Find out more here – Beaufort Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens

Hilton Head Concourse d’Elegance & Motoring Festival – Hilton Head Island, SC

October 29 – November 7, 2010
If you like vintage cars, or cars in general, this is a festival you don’t want to miss. The event consists of several events in both Hilton Head and Savannah, GA. You can find more information on our page for Hilton Head Concourse d’Elegance

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Charleston Farmers Market
Art in the Park – Myrtle Beach, SC
The Latest Weekly Podcast Episode

Kingsland Catfish Festival Video

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The Kingsland Catfish Festival on Labor Day Weekend must be one of the most anticipated events in Camden County, so of course we had to go. There are lots of things to see and do, although it seems as if Joe was mostly interested in the food.

Let us know what you think about our videos. You can post your comments below. Thanks!

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Watch the latest episode of the weekly show.
Kingsland Catfish Festival
St Marys Rock Shrimp Festival

Things to do in Florida – October 2010

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October is a month filled with festivals and happenings — and it’s usually one of the best times of the year to spend time outdoors.  There is a lot more happening in October than just Halloween and Halloween events. Just take a look at some of our suggestions below. (Also, don’t forget to watch our video podcast with October events on the coast)

First Friday Artwalk – St Augustine, Florida

October 1, 2010
The art walk in St. Augustine is a social affair with lots of people mingling in the streets outside the many quaint shops, galleries and other venues participating. Read more – First Friday Artwalk St Augustine, Florida

Datil Pepper Festival – St. Augustine, Florida

October 2 – 3, 2010
Spice things up with the datil pepper at this festival. The datil pepper is celebrated at this festival in St. Augustine every year. More details here – Datil Pepper Festival.

Les deMerle

Amelia Island Jazz Festival – Fernandina, Florida

October 3 – 10, 2010
The well-known jazz musician Les deMerle has been the driving force behind this popular jazz festival for many years and created an exciting program. Read more here – Amelia Island Jazz Festival

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville, Fl

October 6, 2010
This is a monthly event in downtown Jacksonville. This month the theme for the event is “Hispanic Heritage” Find out more on the page for First Wednesday Art Walk

Greek Festival – St Augustine

October 8 – 10, 2010
Experience food and culture from Greece, without leaving your own backyard – just come to this festival in October. Read all about it here – Greek Festival in St. Augustine


Amelia Island Autumn Fine Arts Festival
October 9, 2010
This street festival in the historic downtown district on beautiful Amelia Island will feature 60 fine arts/crafts exhibitors. Galleries in the historic district will be participating in the Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk and many visiting artists will take part in the Artwalk by staying open until 8 p.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the historic train depot. Call 904-261-7020 for more information.

Jacksonville Film Festival

October 13 – 17, 2010
The film festival seems to becoming more popular every year. The opening night always takes place at the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Get more details on our page for Jacksonville Film Festival

Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, Florida

October 14 -17, 2010
Motorcyclists from near and far will converge in Daytona for the special Biketoberfest. Read more on our event page for Biketoberfest.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Jacksonville, Fl

October 22, 2010
Come to a very special movie screening where the audience is participating. There’s even a street festival before the movie. Read more here – Rocky Horror

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise – Daytona, Fl

October 22 – 24, 2010
This is a car show and event for car enthusiasts from the region with lots of events around Daytona Beach, Florida. Read more on our special page for Daytona Beach Dream Cruise


NAS Air Show – Jacksonville, Florida

October 23 – 24, 2010
The annual airshow in Jacksonville always brings a huge crowd. Lots of fun for the whole family at this big, annual event. More details at our special events page for NAS Air Show

Jacksonville Caribbean Festival

October 24, 2010
This colorful festival returns to Jacksonville in October with a parade, festival and concert. Read more about the event on the page for Jacksonville Caribbean Festival

St Augustine, Florida

Uptown Saturday Night – St Augustine

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District hold the popular event Uptown Saturday Night. This monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals. Find out more here – Uptown Saturday Night

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic – Jacksonville, Fl

October 27 – 31, 2010
The football fans from both universities will gather in Jacksonville for the annual battle between the two giants. Lots of events and happenings around town. Read more here Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

Things to do in Georgia – October 2010

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When it’s October, fall festival season is in full swing and this is the month before the holidays take over. It’s time for Oktober Festivals, football and to top it off with Halloween.

Pirate Fest, Tybee Island, GA

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

October 1 – 3, 2010
Savannah has a wonderful Oktoberfest on Riverstreet. This festival has everything you expect from beer garden, to Oompah band and Wienerdog race. Visit our special events page for Oktoberfest on the River

Tybee Island Pirate Fest -Tybee Island, GA

October 8 – 9, 2010
Quickly change from lederhosen to peg leg and eye patch because as soon as the Oompah band stops playing, the pirates take over the whole island of Tybee. It’s time for the popular Pirate Fest on October 8 – 9, 2010. Check out our special events page for Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

Georgia Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

October 7 – 10, 2010
In October Georgia is hosting the greatest diversity of bird species. Jekyll Island celebrates with a special festival where you can learn more about our birds and nature. Check out the special page for Georgia Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival on Jekyll Island, GA

The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival – Richmond Hill, GA

October 15-17, 2010
There’s another seafood festival in Georgia in October. This time, head to Richmond Hill outside Savannah for lots of fun for the whole family. Find out more here – The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival.

Shalom Y'All Jewish Food Festival

Tybee Island Festival of the Arts

October 16 – 17, 2010
Tybee Island goes straight from pirates to the arts, and why not. This is a great arts festival with lots of artists from the region. Read more on our page for Tybee Island Festival of the Arts

Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah, GA

October 31, 2010
There is another food festival in Georgia this month. This festival takes place in Forsyth Park. Come explore Jewish food. Find out more on our special page for Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah

Savannah Film Festival

October 31 – November 6, 2010
This festival is getting bigger and bigger every year. The festival kicks off at the end of October, check out our special events page for Savannah Film Festival.

Wait… There is more to read…
Kingsland Catfish Festival Video
Right Whale Festival – Jacksonville, Fl
Pirate Gathering – St Augustine, Fl
Taste of Charleston