Bluffton’s Mayfest 2025 was canceled. What happened?
As rain and wind made it’s way across the Palmetto State this weekend, plans quickly derailed for the 46th annual Mayfest celebration in Bluffton, coordinated by The Rotary Club of Bluffton.
According to a post made by The Rotary Club of Bluffton, this all-day festival started out well on Saturday morning, but the early afternoon thunderstorms caused the Town of Bluffton and Bluffton Police Department to cancel the remainder of the event.
Debbie Spanzka, spokesperson for the Town of Bluffton, confirmed with The Island Packet on Monday morning that the cancellation was due to the weather causing a public safety issue.
The cancellation caused frustration for both vendors and visitors, who noted that the event was initially set to occur rain or shine.
Once the event was shut down, Bluffton Mayfest stated that the permits and licenses had expired, which prompted all vendors to stop their sales, sparking outrage online:
“This was one of the worst and most traumatizing markets I’ve ever been a vendor at,” wrote one vendor. “I grew up in Bluffton and have wonderful Mayfest memories but today deeply disappointed me as a vendor. You can’t control the weather, but you CAN have a rain date and solid plan in place for dangerous conditions. Many of my products got ruined in the torrential downpour, didn’t make a single sale before that, and paid an exorbitant fee to be there that has yet to be refunded. Just unacceptable.”
“I hate this for everyone who worked so hard putting everything together and all the vendors,” a visitor wrote.
“[I’m] really disappointed in how Mayfest was handled today,” commented another vendor. “Many of us vendors traveled, invested time, and spent significant money - only to be told to shut down while the weather cleared shortly after. This was advertised as a rain or shine event, yet we were forced to pack up while conditions improved. Small businesses rely on these opportunities, and the lack of communication and consideration is unacceptable. I truly hope someone is held accountable for the poor planning and disregard shown to vendors who support this town and event year after year.”
In response to the frustration online, Bluffton Mayfest released a statement on Sunday, May 11, addressing concerns:
“To all the vendors who put in time, effort, and resources—we hear you, and your frustration is absolutely valid. The committee will be reviewing and addressing your feedback to ensure future success of the event. This festival is about community, where the funds raised are awarded to local non profits throughout the year so thank you to everyone who showed up and supported local businesses when you could.”
While this year’s event may have been a weather bust, the Bluffton Mayfest has promised to return next year.
Emails and phone calls to The Rotary Club of Bluffton and Bluffton Chief of Police, Joseph Babkiewicz, regarding the closure were not returned by the time of publication.
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published May 12, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
