Gullah Festival gears up for weekend fun

Beaufort's annual celebration of Gullah art, food and culture kicks off Friday at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

The Gullah Festival gets under way Friday morning and continues almost nonstop until Sunday afternoon.

"The festival will be one of the best we've had," said festival president Rosalie Pazant.

FRIDAY

Family day starts at 10 a.m. Admission is $10 (free for students between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.). Entertainment includes school choirs and dance teams, Abu Majeid Drummers and Stilt Walkers, and East of the River Boys and Girls Steel Band from Washington, D.C.

Opening ceremony starts at 6 p.m. with Parris Island Marines drills, African drummers and greetings from festival organizers and local dignitaries. The Miss Teen Gullah pageant starts at 7 p.m. "Afro Flow" concert starts at 9:15 p.m.

SATURDAY

Events start at 10 a.m. Entertainment includes church choirs and dance troupes, storytellers Marquetta Goodwine and Louise Cohen, Carae's Lowcountry Modeling Fashion Show, The Gospel Keys, The Manhattans from New York City, Teddy Adams Quintet and Ben Tucker Jazz.

SUNDAY

The Hour of Power Worship Service starts at 9 a.m. at the Waterfront Park. Entertainment starts at 2 p.m. with Truth Emrick from Columbia.

On Saturday and Sunday, admission is $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 7-12 and free for children under age 6.

For a full schedule, go to www.gullahfestival.org.

By Justin Paprocki, The Island Packet