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Holidays

The Christmas Spirit Comes Alive: Edisto’s 34th Annual Parade Recap

18 December 2024
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Festivals, Holidays, Rentals - Bike or Kayak Equipment, Rentals - Bike. Golf Cart or Kayak, Tourism, Tours - Boat or Kayak, Uncategorized

It’s officially Christmas time on Edisto Island, and what better way to kick off the holiday season than with the beloved 34th Annual Christmas Parade? This year’s celebration brought together the community in a festive display of creativity, camaraderie, and holiday cheer.

The theme for this year’s parade, “Enjoying the Great Outdoors,” inspired participants to showcase their love for nature through imaginative and beautifully decorated floats.

A Record-Breaking Turnout

The parade saw record-breaking participation this year with over 50 entries and a surprise visit from the Charleston Locals C-10 classic truck club. Each group spreading joy and, of course, tossing plenty of candy to delighted onlookers. And what’s a Christmas parade without a special visit from Santa Claus himself? Naturally, St. Nick made his grand appearance at the end of the parade, much to the delight of children and adults alike.

Honoring Community Leaders

Leading the parade this year as Grand Marshal was Will Wright, the esteemed recipient of the Martha Whetstone Service Award. Will’s dedication to the Edisto Island community is unparalleled, from his work establishing the Edisto Island Community Clinic to his ongoing service at Trinity Church.

Carrying the parade banner was none other than the 2024 Business of the Year recipient, APEX of Edisto Pest Control. Owner Brad Drawdy and his team have been serving the island for nearly 30 years.

In addition to our local Town Council, we were honored to have three members of the Colleton County Council – Bubba Trippe, Scott Biering, and Phillip Taylor, Sr. – assist in leading the parade.

Parade Highlights and Winners

This year’s Parade Awards, sponsored by Dee and Joe Stalvey, were works of art in themselves, hand-painted by talented local artist Gerry McElroy. Congratulations to all the award winners who brought their A-game to embody the theme and spread holiday cheer.

Best Float: GreenBoat Discount Liquors

Best Float Runner-Up: Edisto Day Spa

Best on Wheels: Brittany, Sarah, and Betty

Best on Wheels Runner-Up: Carla Holling in Lola

Whether you participated in the parade or cheered from the sidewalk, your enthusiasm and support made this event a true success. The parade is a shining example of what makes Edisto Island so special—the power of community and the joy of coming together to celebrate the season.

Looking Ahead

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s parade unforgettable – Edisto Chamber staff and volunteers, Mayor and Town Council, Edisto Beach Police Department, Edisto Beach Fire Department and volunteers, Robby Harrison and the Charleston C10 group, and all of the countless other groups that participated, in addition to the many spectators that came out to watch. The event wouldn’t be possible without your collective efforts. As we bid farewell to this year’s festivities, we can’t wait to see what next year’s parade will bring.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here on Edisto Island!

2024 Edisto Beach Road Race: 5k and 1M Walk/Run

2 December 2024
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Community & Civic Organizations, Holidays, News, Rentals - Bike or Kayak Equipment, Rentals - Bike. Golf Cart or Kayak, Tourism

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Davis Architecture, Food Lion, The Greb Group, Club Wyndham, and Andy Cook CPA.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning on November 23rd, not a single cloud in sight, perfect weather for a run! We had 122 eager participants show up, many dressed in their Thanksgiving outfits ready to get their morning sweat on! Awards were given to the top finishers in each age group, as well as a first through third place award for the overall finishes. We also gave out two spirit awards for best dressed, too!

There was a Mimosa Bar waiting on contestants at the end, which arguably helped everyone’s time with a little finish line inspiration.

Board Members Leslie Hurley (left) and Heather Henderson (right) serving up refreshments.

5K-Overall-Male

First Place: Declan Schuette

Second Place: Louis McElveen

Third Place: Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs

5K-Overall-Female

First Place: Rebekah Guest

Second Place: Julia Osborne

Third Place: Daffany Murphy

5K- Age 14 & under- Male

First Place: Quinn Walraven

5K- Age 14 & under- Female

First Place: Ariya Bastille

5K- Age 20-29-Male

First Place: Isaac Rendon Mendoza

5K- Age 20-29-Female

First Place: Rhys Chambers

5K-Age 30-39-Male

First Place: Nicolas O

5K-Age 30-39-Female

First Place: Joanna Bullock

5K-Age 40-49-Male

First Place: Tim Muller

5K-Age 40-49-Female

First Place: Tahira Jayasuriya

5k-Age 50-59-Male

First Place: Brian Getsinger

5K-Age 50-59-Female

First Place: Debbie Kirkland

5K- Age 60-69-Male

First Place: Ricky Tindal

5K-Age 60-69-Female

First Place: Kim Miller

5K-Age 70-99-Male

First Place: Kirby Fidler

5K-Age 70-99-Female

First Place: Nancy Barbieri

Spirit Awards:

1 Mile Winners

1 Mile-Male

First Place: Huxley Donell

1 Mile

Second Place: Pierce Muller

1 Mile- Female

Third Place: Henley Donell

Thanksgiving on Edisto

4 November 2024
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Catering, Dining, Holidays, News, Restaurant, Restaurants, Food & Beverage, Tourism

Take & Bake Thanksgiving Dinner Options:

Looking for a way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on Edisto without having to do all of the shopping and cooking yourself?

Thanksgiving Menus and Order Forms:

Edisto Catering Company–

Contact Edisto Catering Company today to preorder your Thanksgiving feast! All orders will be picked up the day before. A 50% deposit will be required to confirm your order. Orders must be placed by 5pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Edisto Catering Co. had a wonderful time providing our locals and guests with a yummy thanksgiving meal last year and look forward to seeing you again!”

 

The Waterfront Restaurant–

The Waterfront Restaurant will be offering their Thanksgiving Heat & Eat Menu again this year. Orders can be placed by email or turned in at the restuarant.

Prepared Sides & Appetizers:

Side Dough Bread Co.– Homeade Bread

King’s Market– Pies & Casseroles

Shore ‘Nuff– Charcuterie Boards, by pre-order

Tortugas– Family-style Mexican take-n-bake

Revel– Charcuterie options, take-n-bake options

Edisto Beach 32nd Annual Christmas Parade

19 December 2022
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Holidays, News

On an overcast, slightly chilly Saturday afternoon, the 32nd Annual Edisto Beach Christmas Parade took place. There truly is no greater way to feel the Christmas spirit than to kick off the merry season with this celebration.The theme this year was Christmas Tunes Across the Dunes where everyone was tasked with decorating to their favorite Christmas song.

Mayor Crawford Moore, and wife Janice
Councilman Bob Renner, and wife Stephanie
Councilman Jerome Kizer, and wife Marie
Councilman Jay Watts

The roughly 25 participants made everyone’s day with their creativity and dedication to bringing smiles to all they passed along our beloved Palmetto Boulevard. Every participant put their all into making this parade one to remember. From dancing Loggerhead Turtles to locals rockin’ around the Christmas tree, this event was nothing short of magical for everyone of all ages. And no Christmas Parade is complete without an appearance from Santa Clause himself! 

Every year, one person is chosen for the honor of being the Grand Marshall to lead the parade. This year, there was no better choice than our former, dedicated UPS driver Tony Savage. Tony recently retired and is loved by anyone who crossed paths with him during his 17 years of service to Edisto. His heart of gold and passion for his work easily made him an island icon through the many years he served.

“I was born and raised in Adams Run, so Edisto has always been a part of my life. Through my teenage years and early twenties I came with friends just about every weekend. When I turned 19, I started working for the United Parcel Service part-time, then when I turned 21, I started driving and delivering for the company. One of my first runs to deliver on was Edisto which I quickly fell in love with because of my friends and wonderful customers that were over there. In 1995, I married the love of my life, my beautiful wife Ann. Four years later, God blessed us with our amazing daughter Ansley. Over the next couple years I covered different runs hoping Edisto would one day come available to me, then 17 years ago it happened. Over the last 17 years this Island has been so good to me and my family I could never repay you all for letting me into your homes and lives. I have truly been blessed to be here as your delivery driver and blessed to have so many friends who I think of as family. Thank you all for a wonderful ride, you are one amazing community.“

Your UPS Driver,
Tony

From all of us of Edisto, we thank you dearly, Tony. We wish you and your beautiful family nothing but the best during your retirement. You all will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

2022 Business of the Year Award recipients Katherine and Brandon Rushing

Carrying the banner to start the parade this year were the 2022 Business of the Year award winners, Katherine and Brandon Rushing! As the owners of Ella & Ollies as well as The Briny Swine, these two never shy away from giving back to the community. Being members of the Chamber since 2016, they have always kept the best interest of our island is at heart, continuously supporting other local businesses, making sure their restaurants serve nothing but the best and freshest ingredients. Read more about our 2022 Business of the Year recipients here.  

Now, to recap the winners of the 32nd Annual Edisto Beach Christmas Parade! This year had so many incredible participants that it was immensely difficult to choose who won each category. The awards go to the best float, best on wheels, best on foot, and best overall. The winners of each as well as runner-ups are listed below: 

Parade Winners

Best Overall: The Good Samaritan Clinic of Edisto Island

Best Float:

EB Loggerhead Turtle Project

Best Wheels:

Marsh Hen Mill

Best on Foot:

JMK’s Rowdy Riders 

RUNNERS-UP

Best Overall (runner-up):

Robby Harrison and John Gates

Best Float (runner-up):

Animal Lovers of Edisto Canine Rescue 

Best Wheels (runner-up):

Charleston County Sheriff’s Office 

Best on Foot (runner-up):

The Three Wiser Women 

A huge thank-you to everyone that took the time to participate in this year’s parade, whether you were in the line-up or cheering from the sidelines. Every year, it is a very joyous occasion that would not be possible without everyone working with one another. This goes to show how truly special our island’s community is and how true magic can happen when we all come together. Congratulations to our well deserved winners, we look forward to seeing you again next year! In the meantime, we wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 

31st Annual Edisto Beach Christmas Parade

13 December 2021
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Holidays, News

An Edisto Christmas Celebration Through the Decades

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a parade?! The Edisto Beach Christmas Parade was an excellent start to this merry season. The parade theme was Christmas Through the Decades and the nearly thirty parade participants came decked out in the full holiday spirit. Featuring a variety of Christmas celebrations through the decades, dance routines, fun costumes, and an appearance from Santa Claus, it was fun for all ages and put everyone in the Christmas mood!

Christmas Parade Grand Marshal

Each year a Grand Marshal is chosen to lead the parade. This year’s Grand Marshal was Mr. George Tumbleston. George is an inconspicuous local hero. He has been a resident of Edisto since 1985 and has always been supportive of many organizations and events in the community. He used to have a local plumbing business that helped many through the years and is still today an inspiration for many in the business community on Edisto. Currently, he works at Whaley’s as a bookkeeper and bartender. George has been honored in the Bartenders Hall of Fame, lovingly known as “Grumpy George”.

Christmas Parade Awards

The parade included a variety of floats from local businesses, non-profit organizations, and motor vehicle participants. There was a friendly competition for “a major award” amongst the participants, which helped push the holiday spirit and creativity even further!

  • First Place in Non-Profit: Animal Lovers of Edisto
  • First Place in Businesses: Edisto Beach State Park
  • First Place Motor Vehicles, Carts and Bikes: Robby Gaskins
  • Overall Winner: Edisto Art Guild

Winners in each category included are below.

Best Overall:

         Edisto Art Guild

Businesses:

            1st Place: Edisto Beach State Park

Non-Profit Organizations:

            1st Place: Animal Lovers of Edisto

Motor Vehicles, Carts, Bikes:

            1st Place: Robby Gaskins

It was all smiles and holiday cheer down Palmetto Boulevard! Not to mention the 70-degree weather put everyone in a great mood, even if it was a little warm for Christmas sweaters. Thank you to all the participants and everyone who joined us! We look forward to seeing you next year and wish you a safe and happy holiday!

 

Go to our Facebook page to view even more photos from our 31st Annual Christmas Parade!

30th Annual Edisto Beach Christmas Parade

21 December 2020
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Holidays, News

Celebrating 30 Years: An Edisto Beach Blockbuster Christmas

Business of the Year Award Recipient Edisto Seafood started the parade.

The Edisto Beach Christmas Parade was a very merry kickoff to the holiday season. The parade theme was Celebrating 30 Years: An Edisto Beach Blockbuster Christmas and the nearly twenty parade participants did not disappoint! Featuring a variety of Christmas movie classics and an appearance from Santa Claus, it was fun for all ages and certainly sparked the holiday spirit!

Christmas Parade Grand Marshal

Each year a Grand Marshal is chosen to lead the parade. This year’s Grand Marshal was Ms. Francine Morrison. She was chosen not only for her vast involvement in the Edisto Community, but also because she is an educator in a year where they should be celebrated more than ever.

Bio – Francine Morrison

Christmas Parade Awards

The parade included a variety of floats from local businesses, non-profit organizations, and motor vehicle participants. Along with spreading cheer, there was a friendly competition for “a major award” amongst the participants.

First place winner in the Business category and the Winner Overall: Edisto Beach State Park for Christmas Vacation.
First place winner in the Motor Vehicle category: Robby Harrison and crew for The Grinch.

Winners in each category included are below.

Businesses:

            First Place: Edisto Beach State Park

            Second Place: The Happie Truck

            Honorable mention: Island Septic Systems

Non-Profit Organizations:

            1st Place: Edisto Island Youth Recreation

Motor Vehicles, Carts, Bikes:

            1st Place: Robby Harrison

            2nd Place: Robbie Gaskins

            Honorable Mention: GWRRA Chapter

  • Edisto Island Youth Rec.
  • Island Septic
  • Robby Harrison
  • GWRR Chapter
  • The Happie Truck
  • Robbie Gaskins

It was all smiles down Palmetto Boulevard! After an unprecedented year, the Christmas Parade brought the Edisto community together, in a safe and socially distanced manner of course, and provided a much needed sense of normalcy during this holiday season!

Thank you to all the participants and those who joined us! We look forward to seeing you next year and wish you a safe and happy holiday!

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday at Edisto Beach

23 November 2020
Advyon Summerville
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Categories: Holidays, Shopping & Specialty Retail, Tourism

A memorable holiday season is on the itinerary during your Winter vacation at Edisto Beach, South Carolina! From twinkling lights to the perfect gift for everyone on your list and sightings of the big guy himself, we definitely know how to celebrate the holidays. Here, the weather is crisp and cool and the events are traditions the whole family will enjoy! Let the festivities – and the vacation – begin!

Carols at the Ridge

What better way to ring in the holidays than with the sounds of the season? The Edisto Beach Baptist Church will be hosting a Carols at the Ridge event on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm. This event will be outside (at the Ridge) and involves Christmas carols, tree lighting and food. Don’t miss this new, Edisto Christmas tradition!

Edisto Island Museum Al Fresco Holiday Market

Nothing brings Yuletide cheer quite like holiday shopping! The Edisto Island Museum’s Holiday Market takes place outdoors for a socially responsible way to find something for everyone on your list while shopping local! The market features gift items and artwork from the Museum Gift Shop. Get out and shop on Saturday December 12, 2020 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Edisto Christmas Parade

The 30th Annual Edisto Christmas Parade is a family favorite, and celebrating with festive floats is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! On December 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm, the parade will make its way through the 600-100 block of Palmetto Boulevard. Make sure your little ones are on their best behavior – there’s sure to be a visit from Santa himself!

For more details on the parade, access the full flyer here. If you’re interested in participating, entry is free! You can register here.

Jingle and Mingle

Jingle and Mingle Edisto

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Edisto Beach! Usher in the holiday season with a Jingle and Mingle sponsored by Revel and Green Boat Discount Liquors. In the spirit of giving, be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to contribute to their food drive. Wear your best ugly Christmas sweater too, and you might win a Christmas prize!

Holiday Shopping: Shop Local and Support Edisto

Holiday shopping shouldn’t be an anxiety-ridden activity to be avoided. It should be fun, and that’s exactly what you’ll find when shopping at Edisto Beach! Although it’s easy to sit behind the computer and click add to cart, little compares to supporting small businesses, especially when it comes to customer service and knowing the quality of products you’re purchasing. Edisto will have a shop local week encouraging support of local restaurants and retailers December 12 -19, 2020. From clothing and accessories to edible goods, and more, there’s something for everyone on your list when you shop local at Edisto Beach! Get details on where to shop during your vacation!

For even more fun things to do during your time here at Edisto Beach, South Carolina, check out our full list of things to do.

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