Tourist season comes to a close and festival season begins on Folly
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
Two years ago, the Folly Association of Business (FAB) set out to create a family-friendly festival around Labor Day to celebrate the end of the tourist season and head into fall. The creation of the first-ever Mermaids & Mateys Festival in 2022 was a huge success, with food and drinks, arts and crafts, fashion vendors, live music on multiple stages, a huge kids area, and a costume contest. However, last year’s Mermaids & Mateys was shelved because of all the Folly’s 50th Birthday celebrations. But this month, it returns with even more activities and fun for the whole family over the course of two days.
The festivities start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, known as “Salty Saturday,” whith the closure of Center Street, which will be lined with food and craft vendors. (The streets will close at 7 a.m. and reopen at 6 p.m. but are open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). There will be live music on three stages (Main stage, Erie stage, and Huron stage) with Longshot Gamble, Southbound 17 Fancy Koolaid, and Kevin West. FAB event coordinator Kelly Travers says the main afternoon act remains a surprise, but she promises it’s a new and exciting group. Additionally, the street festival will include a costume contest and a dunk tank. Plus, a “Loot Route” scavenger hunt, including cocktails, secret finds around Folly, and more.
“You will see a mix of celebrating our seaside culture while also mixing in some fall/spooky vibes for our guests,” says Travers. “We are excited to introduce a bulked-up crew of mermaids and mateys! They will be available for brunch, to greet guests, etc. There will be an awesome Instagram-worthy photo area. So, get ready for some new fun twists for this street closure!”
The fun continues on Sunday, Sept. 29 with the sand sculpting competition, which was moved from Sea & Sand to Mermaids & Mateys because of the beach renourishment project. The sand sculpting will take place from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in front of TIdes. hotel
Travers says her favorite part of the festival is seeing everyone embracing the theme of this event. “We will see mermaids and mateys of all ages out having fun and celebrating our transition into fall,” she says. “Also, we’re excited to be donating a portion of our proceeds to the Charleston Alzheimer’s walk.”
Mermaids and Mateys will be held Sept. 28-29. Admission is free for Folly residents with ID and $10 in advance, $15 at the door for non-residents. Kids 12 and under are free. No pets, no coolers, no cash. For more information, buy tickets, or sign up for the costume contest or sand sculpture competition, visit www.visitfolly.com/mermaids-mateys-event.
