Beaufort Water Fest commodore hands reins to next leader

Handshakes, hugs and congratulations were exchanged at the 60th Water Festival Change of Watch Ceremony on Saturday evening.

Commodore Bill Damude passed the torch during the traditional ceremony to Chris Canaday, who will serve as the 61st commodore of the Beaufort Water Festival.

With a view overlooking downtown Beaufort and not a cloud in the sky, Canaday slipped on the official commodore jacket, and his family, friends and past Commodores clapped and cheered.

It was an emotional night for Canaday.

He was brought to tears as he thanked his friends and family for all of the support over the last 11 years he has volunteered for the festival.

"I want to thank Bill Damude for having faith in me and also our kids' grandparents for the many hours of babysitting," he said. "If it weren't for them, I would be a very broke man."

But he said he owed his greatest thanks to his wife, Stacey, who has volunteered for the festival for 13 years and served as this year's productions coordinator.

"I am just so lucky and thankful," he said as he choked up, "that (my wife and I) have been able to do this side by side."

One volunteer jokingly brought him tissues, while another handed him a beer, and the crowd hollered and laughed.

Canaday is the finance manager for the Town of Port Royal. He and his wife have two boys, Hayden and Rowan, who he referred to as his first and second mates.

During the ceremony, Damude reflected on the past week serving as commodore.

"They told me this week would go by very quickly, and I didn't believe them, but here we are, and it's almost done," he said.

Damude also looked forward to the year ahead with Canaday taking the lead.

"He will bring a very organized and professional aspect to the festival," Damude said before the ceremony. "He did a phenomenal job this year, and there is no doubt that he has earned this spot."

At the conclusion of Canaday's speech, he left the crowd curious and excited about next year's theme.

"Here is to the best group ever," he said as he raised his beer for a toast, "and get ready to have some fun in the sun for the 61."

This story was originally published July 25, 2015 at 9:42 PM with the headline "Beaufort Water Fest commodore hands reins to next leader."