tents are also set up in the park, as well as in the parking lot behind May River Excursions and on the corner of Calhoun and Lawrence Streets. This year’s featured artist is Lauren Terrett, a painter whose work has evolved into a fast and furious, bold and colorful, impressionistic style. During Mayfest, she may be in a prominent location at the festival entrance on Calhoun or further down the street at The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) Gallery or La Petite Gallery where her work is displayed. The Bluffton School of Dance traditionally kicks off the daylong entertainment lineup on the Main Stage in Martin Park with bands simultaneously performing on the Second Stage located on Bridge Street and a third area behind May River Excursions off Bridge Street. The Pavilion at Martin Family Park also provides shade for the afternoon Pie Eating Contest while the ugly dogs have their day at the Heyward House next door. The Kentucky Derby Hat Parade may take place again this year but the fate of the Donut Eating Contest, cancelled after Covid, is literally hanging in the air. It’s no accident that the Mayfest setup is similar to October’s Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival. Both The Rotary Club and the fall festival share many of the same committee and board members. “It makes it a lot easier because we know it works,” says Ciuffreda. “Last year was the first year we changed the format a little bit for Mayfest, and it worked to keep the traffic moving.” “It’s a great location, he adds. “You have food on each street, drinks on each street and entertainment. It’s a good variety and I think that’s what makes it successful.” With a motto of “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club of Bluffton provides manpower for the Arts & Seafood Festival in exchange for sales from the beer tents. The proceeds from both events are then put into the Charitable Community Account and used to support various organizations and projects here, across the nation and internationally. For instance, Rotary has recently supported local Students of the Month, Habitat for Humanity and Bluffton Self Help, in addition to victims of the flooding in Kentucky and Ronald McDonald House. Mayfest admission is free, as is parking and the trolleys transporting attendees from Red Cedar Elementary School to multiple locations in Old Town. For updated information on vendors, entertainment, volunteering or joining The Rotary Club of Bluffton, call (843) 540-7957or visit blufftonrotary.org or check out the Bluffton Mayfest Facebook page. 58
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