A river runs through it

The Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival is designed to represent what Bluffton represents.

The week's worth of events features seafood straight from the May River and art from old town artists.

And since so much of Bluffton is about of the May River, the festival showcases educational programs and fundraisers to protect the ecology of the area.

"We want to make it fun," said Mary O'Neill, a coordinator for the event. "But it's also about the river. Everything we're doing is to focus on the importance of protecting the May River."

WHY GO

The festival kicks off with the blessing of the fleet at the annual boat parade on the May River on Sunday and doesn't stop until the last painting is sold and the last note is played the following Sunday.

The highlight is the Arts and Seafood Street Fest in historic Bluffton, which features music, art, seafood and more and runs Oct. 24-25.

But activities are held every day through the week, from kayak tours of the May River to a book signing with author Mary Alice Monroe.

WHAT'S NEW

The festival is only 5 years old but continues to grow each year and add new events.

• Local and national artists will be holding demonstrations at seven old town galleries from Monday through Friday, all leading up to the open-air art market taking place the following weekend.

• The Pop an Oyster with Champagne Dine Around Town features a special tapas menu at five Bluffton restaurants Friday evening.