Last October, Jevon Daly and I trekked to Madrac Farms in Georgia to do all the farm activities one does at this time of year for a video on our social media channels. Daly shot corn out of a cannon at a target, I slid down a makeshift slide on a burlap bag, and we got lost in a corn maze –which was quite a feat because the corn was not over our heads.
It got me thinking about the funny traditions we carry on – way past the time when they mean anything in this day and age. Why do we carve scary faces into pumpkins? I guess I should google it.
Be that as it may, October on Hilton Head Island carries a tradition of festivals, and we cover many of them in this issue. Our part-time residents have returned from their mountain summers and, although the vibe is decidedly less frenetic, it’s anything but slow.
The month kicks off with two festivals on Saturday, October 4. To immerse yourself in Gullah Geechee culture, head on over to Celebration Park for the Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival, now in its third year. If you are a beer connoisseur and you enjoy getting dressed up in traditional German apparel like lederhosen, Oktoberfest at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is the place for you.
The following weekend the party continues at the Island Rec Center’s Jeep Island event, also at Lowcountry Celebration Park. On Saturday, October 11, enjoy the day with fellow Jeep enthusiasts while sampling the area’s best chili. The event will feature a Show and Shine, live music, chili tastings, food vendors, Pluck a Duck, kids’ zone, and more.
The 21st Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival takes place in Old Town October 10-19, with multiple events culminating in a large outdoor festival on Calhoun Street October 18 and 19. Check out blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org for more details on the week’s activities.
On October 18, the Italian Heritage Festival returns to Honey Horn, and Jevon and I will be there to capture all of the fun and food – and argue with Johnny DeCecco about which of us is more Italian. Maybe stomp a grape or two. We’ll see where the day takes us.
Last but not least, don’t miss the Rock ’n’ Ribs Music Festival at Coligny on October 25. Attendees will enjoy music by Cranford Hollow, Algorhythm, and Nick Poulin, along with some delicious BBQ by pitmasters like One Hot Mama’s Orchid Paulmeier and Slowcountry BBQ’s Lee Lucier.
Y’all know it’s my favorite month. I hope you enjoy it as much as I plan to!
Madrac Farms Pumpkin Patch Rincon, Georgia Circa, October 2024