MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC -- Today will mark the beginning of a two-day feast for the senses when the 6th Annual A Taste of Beaufort festival kicks off in downtown Beaufort.
The event, sponsored by Hargray and Main Street Beaufort, USA, is a blend of food, art, wine and music. The festival starts at 6 p.m. with the Classic Cars and Trucks of Beaufort Cruise-in, which will be followed by a free concert at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
The Michael Burks Band will perform this evening from 8-11 p.m. The Charlotte, NC, band plays soul-blues, funk and contemporary blues-rock. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be sold in Waterfront Park from 6-9 p.m. and beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase from 6-11 p.m. Spectators are permitted to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Saturday’s portion of the event features food from more that 16 of Beaufort’s local restaurants and music from six different groups. Musical performances will be given by Low Country Boil, Red Moon and more. The festival begins at noon and runs until 7 p.m. Ticket sales will begin at 11 a.m. for beverages and 11:30 for food.
In addition to the cuisine and beverage offerings, the festival will also feature local artists, a children’s activity center and an Earth Day Celebration from noon to 5 p.m.
The Beaufort Art Association’s Paint the Town Purple event and auction will take place along the side and back streets of downtown Beaufort. Artists will be creating works in order to help raise money for the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
The Park Pavilion and Farmer’s Market area will feature a children’s area and the Earth Day Celebration. The children’s activity center will include face painting, arts and crafts and a diaper changing station for families with young children. The Earth Day Celebration will feature exhibits and demonstrations, and will include a display and representation from the Air Station Natural Resources and Environmental Office.
Live music will take place in three different locations from noon to 5 p.m. There will also be classic cars displayed throughout the festival. The event is scheduled to end with a finale concert on Bay Street where Elliot and the Untouchables will play from 5-7 p.m.
A festival celebrating food, art, wine and music offers something for everyone, including military members, according to Louisa Alexandre, chair of the board, Main Street Beaufort, USA and Taste of Beaufort committee member.
“It’s a great day for family fun,” Alexandre said. “We are a military community and this is a total community event.”
For more information on A Taste of Beaufort, go to www.downtownbeaufort.com or contact Main Street Beaufort, USA at 525-6644.