Folly Beach Set to Celebrate 50 Years as a City Sept. 22-Oct. 1 with street festivals, dancing on the pier, classic carnival rides, and more
by Jenny Peterson | Current Staff Writer
In 1973, Richard Nixon was president of the United States, a new Plymouth automobile cost $2,275. Jospeh P. Riley wouldn’t take the reigns as mayor of the City of Charleston for another two years. It’s the year when the area known as Folly Beach became its own standalone city, according to city business owners.
Ever since the 1940s and beyond, building work steadily proceeded, reaching a peak in the 1960s with the construction of the Ocean Plaza with its amusement rides, boardwalk, shops and pier that drew major musical acts, according to the book Folly Beach, A Brief History, Gretchen Stringer Robinson.
This year marks the city’s 50th anniversary and the Folly Association of Business is planning a multi-day celebration to commemorate the events with themed events “through the decades” for all ages to enjoy from Sept. 22 – Oct. 1.
“We’ll be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Folly Beach becoming a city in grand style,” the association states. “Street closure festivals, shagging and disco on the pier, a classic car show, a 20’s-themed gala, classic carnival games and rides and loads more fun for people of all ages. It all kind of started when FAB hosted the 40th celebration. We have been putting money aside for the last 10 years in anticipation of this big one.”
Get ready to revel in nostalgia and loads of fun as Folly Beach gears up to commemorate its golden milestone. The calendar of events pay homage to different eras, showcasing Folly over the years and the city’s vibrant history.
There will be events and activities over two weekends and weekday celebrations that hope to bring a sense of nostalgia and magic for the area celebrating half a century.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday, Sept. 22
6 p.m.– 9:30 p.m.
Folly’s 50th Gala at Tides Hotel Ballroom, 1 Center St.
Cost: $100 per ticket.
Enjoy a ’20s themed black-tie gala complete with a seated dinner, live DJ playing jazz music, dancing and lots of nostalgic flair. There will be a 20’s theme in decor, music and dress. There will be a delicious spread of appetizers and dinner along with specialty cocktails, a professional photographer, photo booth and marque light installation. Take home Folly photos and memorabilia from the night. Buy tickets at www.visitfolly.com/50-years-of-folly/
Saturday, Sept. 23
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Folly Through The Decades Center Street
Cost: $10 per person in advance,
$15 per person day of (Folly Residents get in FREE with ID)
A street closure with two music stages and a kid’s area will feature a classic car show that will line Center Street. Each block will represent another decade in the food, music, and culture of the era. Attendees can vote for their favorite car! Bars on Center Street have been asked to embrace a different decade in staff’s attire, music, food, drinks and more to get into the theme. There will be a cocktail competition, caricature artists and pinup girls available to take pictures.
Sunday, Sept. 24
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Beach Day Games
Front Beach from Tides Hotel, 1 Center Street, to third block west
Cost: Free to watch; registration fees apply
Enjoy a day full of team and individual games on the beach at the Front Beach. Games include bocce and volleyball for adults and tug-of-war, obstacle course, kickball and more for the kids. Sign up and learn more at www.visitfolly.com/50-years-of-folly/
Wednesday, Sept. 27
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kids Day Event, Folly River Park, 58 Center St.
Cost: Free
Taking place at the Folly River Park, the celebration specific for the kiddos featuring art, crafts, games, and lots of Folly fun! There will be a balloon house, dunk tank, tie-dye station, sharks teeth education station, live music and more.
Thursday, Sept. 28
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Shagging & Disco On The Pier
The Folly Beach Pier
Cost: $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door
The evening will start the way many evenings started on the pier back in the day… with some serious shag dancing. Then, bust out the bellbottoms and get ready to spend the rest of the night reliving the incredible age of disco. This event is brought to you by Charleston County Parks. There will be food trucks in the parking lot along with bars with beverages for purchase and a 360 photo booth on the Pier! Purchase tickets at www.visitfolly.com/50-years-of-folly/
Saturday, Sept. 30
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Folly’s 50th Street Party
Center Street Event
Cost: $15 per person advance and $20 per person at the door (Folly Residents get in FREE with ID)
Center Street will again be closed to traffic—this time with nostalgic carnival rides—to celebrate 50 years of Folly with food, art, craft vendors, live music on three stages, contests, a huge kids area and lots more. Carnival rides will be located on several spots on East Second Street and Arctic Streets, including a Ferris Wheel that will bring riders up and look out over the ocean. Rides will be priced per ride. Legendary Beach Music group The Tams will be headlining the music. The Tams are best remembered for their hit and shagging anthem “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy.”
Folly’s 50th Anniversary promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. For up-to-the-minute updates and to purchase tickets, visit www.visitfolly.com/50-years-of-folly.
