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

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 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

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

Edisto Beach Rentals – Golf Carts, Bikes, Kayaks & More

On your next Edisto adventure, consider renting a golf cart to traverse in style! While age requirements vary from business to business, anyone driving the golf cart must have a valid driver’s license and follow all of the golf cart rules the Town of Edisto Beach has set in place. Leave your own golf cart at home, as we only allow visitors to rent. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to find Edisto rentals, we have plenty of options! And, we’ve even linked the Town’s rules at the end of this blog – we have you covered for an effortless vacation. 

Infinity Cart Rentals

  • Age Requirements: 18 & up
  • Rentals Available: Golf Carts
  • Delivery or Pickup: Delivery

Cruise around Edisto with a golf cart rental! With Infinity Cart Rentals, renting a golf cart for your Edisto Beach getaway is a breeze. They’ll have your rental ready when you arrive with a full tank of gas, so the exploring doesn’t have to wait! Don’t deal with the hassle of carrying your beach essentials; arrive in style to your beach access and make the day effortless with your rental. After your visit is over, Infinity Cart Rentals will pick up your rental for you! Have a large group with you? No worries here, because you can rent a 4 seat or a 6 seat golf cart so there’s room for everyone! Infinity Cart Rentals does require the renter to be 18 years of age.

GolfCart.Fun

  • Age Requirements: 21+ to drive and 25+ to rent.
  • Rentals Available: Luxury Street Legal Golf Carts LSV’s – 4 & 6 Seat Vehicles (Lithium or Lead Acid)
  • Delivery or Pickup: They deliver to your door!

If you’re looking to level up your Edisto Beach vacation, you’re in the right place! GolfCart.Fun’s luxury Edisto Beach golf cart rentals can legally by driven at night and on any road with posted speed limits of 35 mph (unlike our competitors). They provide guests with the opportunity to explore this beautiful island town in style, comfort, and convenience; and have recently become the premier provider of luxury golf cart rentals in Edisto Beach. Whether you’re cruising the scenic byways, exploring hidden corners, or simply making your way to the beach, their top-of-the-line golf carts are designed to elevate your Edisto Beach experience. Forget about mundane walks or tedious drives – it’s time to embrace the freedom of the open road with a touch of luxury.

 

Their fleet is made up of the latest 2023 Street Legal Luxury Golf Carts LSVs, all of which come equipped with:

  • Seat Belts
  • DOT certified headlights
  • Bluetooth Sound System
  • 2x USB Charging Ports
  • Backup Camera
  • Charging Cord & 25 ft extension cord
  • Brush Guard
  • Extended Roof
  • Fully Loaded and Lifted
  • Beer/Item Storage
  • LED Lighting
  • 23″ Tires

Add-Ons:

  • Lithium Battery
  • Beach Chairs
  • Turtlebox Speakers

Call today at 843-800-0310 or visit our website and see if they can have a golf cart delivered to your door tomorrow! You won’t regret it!

Edisto Bike Rentals

  • Age Requirements: 21 & up (for golf carts)
  • Rentals Available: Golf Carts, Bikes, Pull Carts, Helmets, Baby Seats
  • Delivery or Pickup: Both

Edisto has plenty of bike trails for you to enjoy! In fact, many people say the best way to experience the beauty and adventure of Edisto is through a bike ride. Luckily for our visitors, we have several businesses that can help you rent out a bike for yourself or for the whole family. Edisto Bike Rentals offers free pickup and delivery options for their bicycles, as well as golf cart rentals! They offer adult and children-sized bikes, helmets, baby seats, baskets, pull carts, and more. Make sure if you’re renting a golf cart that you or someone else in your group is 21 years or older!

Island Bikes & Outfitters

  • Age Requirements: 21 & up (for golf carts)
  • Rentals Available: Golf Carts, Bikes, Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboards
  • Delivery or Pickup: Pickup

Another great local company you can rent bicycles and golf carts from is Island Bikes & Outfitters. They boast that their rental department “includes everything you need to make your stay on Edisto a fun and memorable one” – and they aren’t lying! While bikes may be in their name, Island Bikes & Outfitters rents much more than that. You can rent kayaks, golf carts, and standup paddleboards all in one location! If you’re looking to hit the water or trails, look no further. Island Bikes & Outfitters also requires their golf cart renters to be 21 years of age.

Edisto Essentials

  • Age Requirements: 18 & up (for golf carts)
  • Rentals Available: Golf Carts, Kayaks, Boogie Boards, Beach Chairs & Umbrellas, Sheets & Towels
  • Delivery or Pickup: Both

When you’re renting all the essentials, it makes sense to check out Edisto Essentials! They offer bicycle and golf cart rentals, as well as tow carts, kayaks, boogie boards, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, sheets & towels, and more. If you’re renting a golf cart, you’ll need to be a licensed and insured driver that’s 18 years of age or older. They also offer free delivery and pickup in the Edisto Beach area, so give them a call to get all your essentials in order!

Edisto Water Sports & Tackle

  • Age Requirements: 18 & up (if under 18, one person in your party must be 18 & up)
  • Rentals Available: Kayaks, Paddleboards
  • Delivery or Pickup: Pickup

Edisto Water Sports & Tackle not only offers rentals, but several excursion tours around Edisto! A few are even taken by kayak, so you can get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the area. When it comes to rentals, they have kayaks and standup paddleboards available to rent out. Stop by Edisto Water Sports & Tackle to make the most out of your Edisto adventure!

Town of Edisto rules and regulations for golf carts

  • Golf carts must have a current Edisto Beach decal.
  • Must have a SC DMV registration/decal
  • Operators must have a valid driver’s license and must have the license on their person while operating the golf cart.
  • Golf carts can be operated only within four miles of the DMV registered address.
  • If there’s a car behind you, pull aside and let them pass.
  • Golf carts may be operated only on secondary roadway or street. This includes every road in the Town of Edisto Beach limits, except Palmetto Boulevard, SC HWY 174.
  • Golf carts may cross a Palmetto Boulevard, you must go straight across, cannot be at an angle.
  • Speed CANNOT exceed 19 mph.
  • Children are not to be held on the operator’s lap while operating the golf cart.
  • May be operated only during daylight hours (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset).
  • Open container laws, all motor vehicle laws, and parking laws apply to golf carts.

For more rules on golf cart use, visit the Town’s website Golf Cart Use | Town of Edisto Beach, SC. With your cooperation, we all can enjoy cruising around Edisto safely! And, as a reminder, a rental is your best and only choice when it comes to golf carts, as you are not allowed to bring your own golf cart to Edisto.

Don’t forget to remember the rules of the road when you’re biking around Edisto! Get a refresher on the rules & regulations here Bike Regulations | Town of Edisto Beach, SC.