Bill Damude emerges from behind scenes to Beaufort Water Festival commodore

When Bill Damude started volunteering for the Beaufort Water Festival in 2004, he had no idea he would move up the ranks to commodore.

From organizing the sporting events, to managing sponsors and overseeing "the hole" -- the department that manages the beverages served -- Damude knows all of the ins and outs of the 10-day festival, which kicks off its 60th year Friday in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

"It's good that I have experienced all aspects of the festival, because as commodore, I need to know a lot about a lot of places," he said. "It benefits the entire festival."

Damude and his wife of 31 years, Marcia, and their daughter, Jylian, a former Water Festival Pirette, and son Taylor, have attended many of the festivals together over the years.

"One of my fondest memories is dancing with Marcia and Jylian at the Commodore's Ball," Bill Damude said. "We have always made that the night that I get to have some free time with them."

The commodore and first lady worked closely with local artist Mary Thibault to design the T-shirts for the festival.

Thibault even incorporated a piece of Damude's family into the design. If you look closely, you can spot their children's names lightly painted on the back of every T-shirt, bumper sticker and brochure.

A fellow festival volunteer adds that Damude's attitude on the job resembles the logo's beach scene.

"He can best be described by one of the best T-shirt designs in my opinion," said Jason Berry, sales and admissions coordinator. "(He is) laid-back, relaxed, joyful, fun -- just like a day at the beach."

Aside from the festival, Damude has been involved in the Beaufort community for years.

He is an active member at Waters Edge United Methodist Church and has been a teacher at Beaufort High School for 28 years, serving as the head wrestling coach from 1988 to 2014.

Damude said being in the local spotlight as commodore has taken some adjustment.

"We get treated really special, and it takes a bit to get used to," he said. "But it just shows how greatly the festival is perceived in the community. People love the Water Fest."

So does Damude.

"I just like being part of the festival and working with the staff," he said. "Every year I leave thinking, 'Wow, that was fun. I have to do it again next year.'"

Follow reporter Carolyn Rennix on Twitter at twitter.com/Carolyn Rennix.

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 11:37 AM with the headline "Bill Damude emerges from behind scenes to Beaufort Water Festival commodore."