Bluffton’s Christmas Parade raises over $1,500 for scholarships in lieu of entry fees
Bluffton’s 51st annual Christmas Parade will usher in the Holiday season after raising over $1,500 in donations for scholarships and safe driving initiatives.
Instead of entry fees, the town asked all parade participants to donate, as much as they liked, to the Bluffton Lutzie 43 Charitable Fund, which helps fund scholarships for Bluffton’s students as well as support the Town’s safe driving campaign. This change was made to streamline the application process and to “use the Christmas Spirit” to help keep residents of Bluffton safe year round.
Saturday’s parade starts on Bridge Street, by Town Hall, at 10 a.m. and ends once it reaches 8th ave., near Oscar Frazier Park. The town expects a two-plus hour parade.
Like last year, throwing items from floats is prohibited, including candy. This is mostly a safety measure, according to town spokeswoman Debbie Szpanka, to prevent children from running to the street, but also to lower the pollution from candy and other items being thrown. Last year was the town’s first year enforcing this rule.
People are allowed to walk alongside the parade and distribute items. The town asks that anyone doing so does it hand-to-hand to further keep spectators away from the road.
Tommy’s Towing will be providing the judging stage and this year the stage is named “The Tommy Burrows Memorial Stage” to honor the late Burrows who passed away in October. Friday night’s tree lighting will also be in honor of Burrows.
Three awards will be given by the judges:
- Best Float
- Best Performance
- State of Mind (Best Overall)
Prizes for the awards will be bragging rights, trophies and recognition at December’s Town Council meeting, Szpanka said.
The parade will be held rain or shine.
The parade will be livestreamed on Beaufort County’s channel YouTube. The livestream will be hosted by Szpanka and longtime radio host for 98.7 The River and Bluffton resident Mark Robertson.
