Checking out (and checking in with a familiar face at Bert’s Market
The first time I remember meeting “Big” Ken Kirk was during a Porchfest, probably five years ago. I went into Bert’s Market to buy some beer for the after-after-after party in Roger Rutledge’s backyard, and he sold it to me. Then, what seemed like 15 minutes later, he was at the party!!! I think I was the one who told him to go there when he got off.
I started seeing him all the time at Bert’s when my dog Oakley and I went in for her daily biscuit. He’s always there with his huge smile, asking how my day is going. I’d been telling him for a few months he needed to get interviewed, and the last time I did, he said, “Let’s go!!” Boom. We walked out front and went through the questions. I found out there’s a lot more to learn about Big Ken than his smile and his greetings.
FOLLY CURRENT: Where were you born, and how long have you been tied to Folly Beach?
KEN KIRK: I was born in Salem, Massachusetts.
I’ve been tied to Folly since I was a teenager. I’ve lived in SC for over 30 years, with about 10 years in the Greenville area and most of the rest in Monk’s Corner. I travel from Monk’s every day to Folly now. I used to direct planes at the Charleston airport for Delta, now I direct the customers in Folly at Bert’s and on the beach!! You can usually find me behind a counter or on top of an ATV.
FC: What’s your favorite thing about Folly Beach?
KK: My favorite thing about Folly is the people. They are chill, laid back. The people are just different. You never know what you are gonna get here, always a variety. A ton of variety. It’s a magical place that has brought me peace and new discovery of beauty with everything around us here. I love taking photos of nature here at the beach while I’m on beach patrol. I keep an instagram account called Soulmedicine777 . It blew up recently , over 13,000 followers. I take photos of the Folly sunset and beautiful things I witness. I should start taking photos of the beautiful variety of people too.
FC: Share a story that you’re fond of about Folly Beach.
KK: I have fallen in love here a couple of times. I always have fond memories of falling in love. I have a lot of stories. I remember my first New Years Eve here on Folly Beach. I worked double and then kept going. I worked at Bert’s during the day and Low Life at night and then hit the streets, it was wild. I saw the Flip Flop Drop and the Meatball Drop. I also remember some good Porchfests. It’s just cool to work and get off and go into the Folly universe and find life.
FC: In your opinion what’s the most important issue facing our community today is?
KK: Speeding is a big problem on Folly. Safety comes with slower traffic. I’ve seen near misses of bikes, golf carts and walkers right here on Ashely and 2nd near Bert’s. We all know the stories of pedestrian and visitor deaths that have occurred here over the years, seems more than other island towns. It’s inevitable that it will happen again.
FC: If you were in charge how would you fix it?
KK: Lower the speed limit to 15 MPH. Fill the city with speed and traffic violation cameras. How about at every intersection? They’re so cheap now. I got one in New York for rolling through a stop sign. I have no idea how they got me, just got it in the mail. Adding speed bumps and more speed detectors that show your speed would slow folks down. I know there are cameras already on Center that track outstanding warrants and people fleeing town like the guys who robbed Bert’s a few years back. Why can’t we just add a few more every year ? These are people’s lives we are talking about here.
Pat “Wiggy” Hiban interviews a different “Face of Folly” for this column. If you have an idea of someone you think Pat should chat with, please send suggestions to editor@follycurrent.com.
