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By Lindsey Allen

For Washington Daily News

Thousands are expected to gather on the Washington Waterfront for the 42nd annual Washington Summer Festival over the weekend of Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15.

The Washington Summer Festival is a fundraising event, held by the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce (WBCCC) that helps raise nearly 50% of their yearly budget. Catherine Glover, President of the Chamber, stated, “it helps us continue to execute our mission as being the Voice of Business for Beaufort County. We also are a community minded Chamber and we support the community and businesses in many ways. This helps us be able to do this.”

While the Summer Festival is free to the public, it is important to remember cash as many vendors, dining opportunities and attractions may only take cash payment. 

“We have great vendors and food options. We have nonprofits who use this festival as their major fundraisers of the year and local businesses who have booths to support their missions and organizations,” Glover said. “When you come to the Festival, there is so much going on that the whole family will enjoy.”

Attendees can expect to see many new attractions, such as a boat show, cornhole tournament, Mariachi Band and Lanky Lou, a man walking on stilts. These are paired with returning favorites, including The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, The Bandit Team Flyover, fireworks and boat rides provided by the Little Washington Sailing School. 

The Festival will take place from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday. 

Those who wish to compete in the cornhole tournament must arrive at Festival Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday for registration, and can contact Jerry Sneed at (252)-414-5521 with any questions. 

There will be no shortage of music at the Festival, as there are five live performances across the two day event.

SOLINA Dance Production will provide entertainment in motion, with a hip-hop themed dance workshop for kids, a Salsa workshop for adults, and a 60’s Rewind Showcase on Saturday afternoon. 

On Friday, a “Crab Feast” held by Washington Crab will be held next to the music stage. For $50 per person, you can enjoy endless steamed blue crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn. The feast will last from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.washingtoncrab.com/shop/p/crab-feast-ticket. A portion of the proceeds will be shared with the Chamber. 

All-you-can-ride amusement passes will be available for purchase, with cash, for $25 each. Rides will be available from rides will be available on Saturday, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Summer festival T-shirts are available for purchase prior to the event at WBC Chamber of Commerce, as well as during the festival.

With thunderstorms on the forecast, the Chamber has noted that this is a rain or shine event. “Sometimes we have to make the tough decision to not have a band or fireworks and in that situation, unfortunately, those things can’t be rescheduled,” Glover said. “We just hope that we have great weather.”