The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun May 6, 2025 • Volume 28, Issue 9 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
REAL ID now required for air travel, federal buildings starting May7th
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Bluffton’s 46th annual Mayfest returns May 10 with art, food, music and family fun by Sasha Sweeney Editor
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Bluffton the 46th annual Bluffton Village Festival, commonly known as Mayfest, takes over historic downtown on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a full day of local art, food, live entertainment and family activities. The event will be held rain or shine, and organizers encourage attendees to plan for a busy day in the heart of Old Town. Free parking will be available at Red Cedar Elementary School, with a complimentary shuttle service running to and from downtown throughout the day. Additional parking options and directions are listed on the Rotary Club’s Mayfest website. Organizers also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing sunscreen and staying hydrated throughout the day. Mayfest began as a community gathering to celebrate Bluffton’s charm and growing artistic spirit. In the decades since, it has evolved into one of the premier events in the Lowcountry, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the region. Today, Mayfest features more than 200 vendors offering an array of handcrafted goods, original artwork and culinary delights. From fine art paintings and handmade jewelry to classic Lowcountry favorites like shrimp and grits, the festival highlights the best of the area’s creativity and hospitality. Music lovers will enjoy live performances scheduled throughout the day on two stages. At Martin Family Park, Lyn Avenue will open the festivities with a set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Peach Patrol from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Over on the Bridge Street Stage, Alan Price will perform from 11 a.m.
MAYFEST FACEBOOK PAGE to 1 p.m., with the String Surfers closing the afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. Some of Mayfest’s most anticipated events are its good-natured contests, returning once again to entertain festivalgoers. The Pie-Eating Contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the DuBois Park Pavilion. Contestants of all ages will compete for the title, with plenty of laughter guaranteed. Later in the afternoon, the Ugly Dog Contest — one of Bluffton’s most unique traditions — will take place at 1 p.m. at The Heyward House. The contest offers a lighthearted showcase of the area’s most
charmingly unconventional canines. Both events are free to enter and are expected to draw large crowds, so participants are encouraged to arrive early. Each year, Mayfest selects a featured artist whose work captures the essence of Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry. The 2025 featured artist is Karen Magill, a resident known for her plein air paintings that reflect the natural beauty of the region. Magill’s body of work spans stained glass, pen and ink, mixed media, watercolor, gouache, acrylic and oil. However, her passion lies in painting outdoors, where she can best capture the ever-changing light and colors of the Lowcountry landscape. She often creates small studies in the field that serve as the basis for her larger studio paintings. While Mayfest is a celebration, it is also a major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Bluffton. Proceeds from the event support a wide range of community initiatives, including local scholarships, nonprofit partnerships and service projects. For a full schedule of events, vendor information, parking details and volunteer opportunities, visit blufftonrotary.org/page/mayfest.
HHCA to stage award-winning production of Annie Jr. 38A
S.C. High School League (SCHSL) governance 56A
Camping safety
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