Folly Spring Events

Spring time has hit the Edge of America, and we couldn’t be happier. The weather is perfect for enjoying brunch on the patio of any one of our spectacular restaurants that line our cozy island. Mother Nature is smiling upon us with gorgeous blue skies and perfect temperatures. There are several things you will want to put on your calendars over the next few weeks. Look over one of these diverse events and plan to attend one, or maybe all!

Morris Island Lighthouse Celebrates 140 Years

Celebrate this iconic lighthouse’s 140th birthday at the Tides on March 31st from 6-9pm. The Save the Light annual gala is the largest of the year and highly anticipated. There will be live and silent auctions, live music, sumptuous food by Blu, dessert, beer, wine, and soft drinks included at the ticket price. If you prefer harder cocktails, a cash bar will be available. You may purchase tickets ahead by calling 843-633-0099 or by contacting one of the Save the Light’s board members.

100% of net proceeds go to the restoration and preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Lowcountry Cajun Festival

Head toward the James Island County Park for jammin’ good time on April 3rd from noon-6pm. This Ragin’ Cajun event is filled with activities for all ages. Enjoy Zydeco music, tasty creole, and the festival’s most popular selection, crawfish! Want to try something new? Try some alligator, etouffee, or jambalaya. Not ready to dive into anything too different or spicy? Dive into delicious hot dogs, sno cones and other items from the many food trucks.

An interesting fact – There are several competing theories about the meaning of zydeco. Here are just a couple of the most commonly held thoughts, however disputed, of how it came about.

1. In old french cajun, it is thought that the word translates from the phrase “Les haricots ne sont pas salés” which is pronounced “leh-zy-dee-co nuh sohn pah salay”. The literal translation is “the beans aren’t salty” but as an idiom means “I have no spicy news for you”. Good to know!
2. In the 1960s, musician Robert “Mack” McCormick wrote notes in a compilation album, A Treasury of Field Recordings, using the spelling “zydeco”. Previously, the word’s spelling was “zarico” and “zodico”, until McCormick started publicizing the new spelling as standard. Artist Clifton Cheneir later claimed credit for the word when he recorded “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés”. Nothing like a little bit of rivalry between musicians!

The band schedule is as follows:

1:00-2:30pm – Shrimp City Slim

2:30-4:00pm – Sidewalk Zydeco

4:00-6:00pm – Terry & The Zydeco Band

Kids may participate in any of the activities for just $15 for an all-day ticket. Tickets to get into the festival are also $15, but free for those 12 and under. Gold Pass members may get in free.

26th Annual Sea and Sand Festival

Hit the streets at the Sea and Sand Festival, the longest running festival on Folly Beach on April 9th! This all day party starts at 11 in the morning and runs until 6pm, with coordinating events like the Miss Sea & Sand Pageant and the Coffin Island Run/Walk/Skate opening the festival. Thousands of people arrive on the streets on the Edge of America to listen to several stages of live music, hop on bull rides, and taste samples from participating restaurants. Vendors line up Center Street and offer handmade goods ranging from cookies to art/photography to hand crafted jewelry. There will be a silent auction, a sand castle contest, a photo booth and carnival games to be enjoyed by all. This family friendly event is for everyone, even your dog! Come out and be a part of one of Folly’s favorite events.