Edisto Beach 32nd Annual Christmas Parade

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 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. 

Christmas Dinner & Holiday Hours on Edisto

Don’t feel like cooking around the holidays? You should probably just kick back and relax this year, and let someone else do the cooking! Several of our restaurants and catering services are offering holiday options for dine-in or carryout. Take the hassle out of cooking with some of our suggestions below.

Heat & Eat.

The Waterfront Restaurant

Order your food to-go with Waterfront’s, keep an eye on their Facebook page for an updated menu.

Have someone come to you AND cook.

Too Good Foods

It’s not too late to plan your holiday dinner party. Dates are filling, but Chef Konrad still has some openings to come and prepare a great meal for you and your loved ones.

Also offering delivery & pick-up options for Christmas and New Years!

Go out to eat and treat yourself!

Ella & Ollie’s & the Briny Swine

Ella & Ollie’s and Briny Swine will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve! A special menu will be served on New Year’s Eve. Reservations can be made on OpenTable or call 843.869.4968. Enjoy a mouthwatering meal without the stress of cooking.

Take-and-bake with prepared food options.

Just looking for a side? Or maybe some beautiful charcuterie to serve as an appetizer? Check out the ideas below for quick stop shops.

Kings Market (pies, casseroles)

Revel (charcuterie options)

Edisto Seafood & Flowers Seafood (fresh seafood for the Holidays)

31st Annual Edisto Beach Christmas Parade

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!

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

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

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

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.