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WHY YOU SHOULD GO
Santa Claus will take requests from 6 to 7:55 p.m. in the Old Baymarket Place today.
New this year will be two stages offering entertainment at alternating times. A stage on Bay Street near the former BB&T drive through (between Scott and Carteret streets) will feature choirs including the Whale Branch Elementary Choir at 6:15 p.m., the Lady's Island Elementary Seaside Singers at 6:45 p.m. and the BJ Scott Choir at 7:30 p.m.
In Freedom Park on the main stage, performances will include the Beaufort Elementary School Drumming Seagulls at 6 p.m., the Beaufort Youth Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. and the Beaufort Academy of Dance at 7 p.m. Then at 8 p.m. the Parris Island Marine Band "will hit the first note when the tree is lit ... on the main stage," said LaNelle Fabian, executive director of Main Street Beaufort, USA, organizer of the weekend's festivities.
The Christmas tree will be in Freedom Park on the main stage, a change from last year, but a tradition otherwise.
"This year we will go back to the old way of lighting the tree in Freedom Park," Fabian said.
BY LAND AND SEA
The unique Light Up the Night Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Organized by the Beaufort Power Squadron, the boaters leave Port Royal Landing Marina at 5:30 p.m. and cruise around the Beaufort River to parade in front of the seawall.
Activities continue on land at 3 p.m. Sunday with the Christmas Parade along the regular parade route along Bay Street. Also new this year, the activities continue with a Lunchtime Concert In the Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday featuring entertainment by Phil Griffin. And there will be a Movie in the Park, "Polar Express," at 6 p.m. Dec. 10.
BEHIND THE SCENES
What began as a one-night, invitation-only event for downtown merchants to show their appreciation to longtime customers has become a giant street party. Downtown businesses continue their open houses, but over the years holiday musical performances by area groups and food provided by nonprofit organizations have been added.
THE FLAVORS
Seven nonprofit organizations will offer food. Everything from hot chocolate and soup to fried shrimp, pizza, barbecue, chili, hot dogs and sausage dogs will be served.
MISCELLANEOUS
While all the downtown stores are holding open houses, two book stores are hosting a total of 14 authors signing their books. On Saturday, other events downtown feature art receptions, an historic tour of eight churches, the Festival of Trees and performances at the Beaufort Performing Arts Center.
