A weekend of fun celebrating the end of summer, held Sept. 23-24
from Staff Reports
Last year, Mermaids and Mateys, a newly-formed event designed to celebrate the end of summer had to be scaled back due to COVID-19 concerns. But this year the family-friendly festival will be full-strength with a whole weekend of activities on Folly Beach while raising money for Alzheimer’s Association—South Carolina.
“Folly has a team of Alzheimer’s warriors called ‘Folly Fights Alzheimer’s’ so we hope our team can raise more money for this very special charity,” says Kelly Travers, Special Event Coordinator for the Folly Association of Business (FAB), who puts on the event.
The fun officially kicks offs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23 with a private ticketed event at the Loft at St. James Gate. DJ Miketech will be spinning music for this “Under the Sea” themed dance, pictures with the Folly Beach Mermaid, light appetizers, and a complimentary drink upon entrance. Tickets are available but capacity for this event is limited and could sell out.
Then, on Saturday morning some lucky folks will have “Breakfast with Mermaids” at Rita’s Seaside Grille. The Folly Beach Mermaid and some other members of her pod will be on-site for photos and handing out treasurers. (Sorrym this event has already sold out.)
The main event “Salty Saturday” starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 and will go until 4 p.m. (Center Street will close at 7 a.m. and reopen at 6 p.m.) There will be three stages featuring local bands, more than 60 Folly art, craft, fashion, and food vendors, plus a robust kids’ area with magicians, mermaids, sand crafts, glitter body paint, and more.
“We are even setting up an adults’ area with flat screen TVs and seating for college football Saturday,” says Travers. “Also, make sure to visit our local establishments to get your $5 Lunazul cocktails.” Lunazul and Lunar Light Botanicals are the official sponsors of Mermaids and Mateys.
What’s an event without some competition? Mermaids and Mateys will feature a costume contest for families and adults. Dress up as a mermaid, matey, or your favorite Under the Sea character.
Tickets for Salty Saturday are free for kids under 12 and for Folly residents with valid identification. Otherwise, they can be purchased in advance or at the door. Please note that animals, coolers, outside beverages, bikes, skateboards, scooters, and backpacks (except diaper bags) are not allowed. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit visitfolly.com/mermaids-mateys-event.
