City covers admission for guests with reserved tickets as Mermaids & Mateys hopes to help Folly businesses rebound from a summer under construction
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
After a summer in which Folly Beach’s stormwater drainage project disrupted traffic, parking, and commerce along Center Street, the city and local business community are planning a welcome-back party.
The Folly Association of Business will host its annual Mermaids & Mateys festival Saturday, Oct. 3, transforming Center Street into a seaside celebration with live music, more than 80 vendors, costume contests, children’s activities, and other entertainment.
This year, however, admission will be free for up to 6,000 people after the City of Folly Beach agreed to provide special funding to cover sone of the event costs. City officials and organizers hope removing the admission charge will attract more visitors and direct more spending toward island restaurants, bars, shops, and other businesses affected by months of construction.
“We wanted the business community to know that we see them as a vital part of our community,” Mayor Chris Bizzell said. “So I asked Kelly how we can help and celebrate.”
Bizzell was referring to FAB Events Coordinator Kelly Travers, who has worked with the city to shape this year’s festival into both a celebration and an economic boost for Center Street.
“The money we’re giving them means it’s free of charge [for those with a reserced ticket],” Bizzell said. “And all that money will come back to our businesses.”
In addition to covering admission, the funding will allow brick-and-mortar retail, food, and beverage businesses to receive free vendor spaces on Center Street or an adjoining side street. Businesses can use the spaces to sell merchandise or showcase signature dishes.
“Our goal for this one-time free event is to drive attendance and boost spending directly into our island businesses,” Travers said.
Free ticket vouchers will be required to help organizers manage the crowd, but registration will not guarantee admission. Entry will remain first-come, first-served until the festival reaches capacity.
This year’s event will include an Under the Sea Kids Area presented by Good Clean Fun, featuring mermaids, sand crafts, stilt walkers, free inflatables, games, and other activities. A loot-route scavenger hunt, dunk tank, fire circus, special performers, and family and adult costume contests are also planned.
Tito’s will serve as the festival’s spirit sponsor, with participating island bars offering mermaid- and pirate-themed cocktails. Mermaids & Mateys will also again partner with the Alzheimer’s Association’s South Carolina chapter for Paint Folly Purple, encouraging festivalgoers to wear purple and help raise money for the organization.
“We are hoping a free ticket will drive higher attendance levels and lend itself to our guests spending more in our on-island businesses,” Travers said.
Mermaids & Mateys will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. along Center Street on Folly Beach. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Entry is first-come, first-served up to capacity. For tickets, vendor registration, sponsorship information, and festival updates, go to www.VisitFolly.com.
