Celebrate the Town’s History with Us
A Note from Hilton Head Island Mayor, Alan Perry:
This year, we are celebrating two significant milestones in Hilton Head Island’s history—the 360th anniversary of the sighting of the headlands of the island by Captain William Hilton and the 40th anniversary of the island’s incorporation as a municipality.
I am excited about honoring these two significant moments with events to celebrate the island’s history (long and storied from 8000 BC when Native Americans occupied the island to the Civil War Period and the modern era of development and growth), ecology (our beautiful coastal landscape), culture (arts, music, and other fascinating activities), and people (whether you’ve been here for generations or just arrived a month ago). These events will allow us to reflect on how far we’ve come over the decades and unite as a community to celebrate what is important to us. Each of us has a story about how this island we call home has inspired, nurtured, or sustained us. The events scheduled for this celebration provide meaningful opportunities to reflect on what’s important and spend time with our fellow islanders.
The celebrations will include two free anchor events. A community picnic will be on Saturday, August 26, at the Lowcountry Celebration Park (94 Pope Avenue). From 4 to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy complimentary traditional picnic fare (hamburgers, hot dogs, non-alcoholic beverages), fun and games (face painting, animal balloons, bounce houses, rock climbing, and more) for all ages, local musicians, and recognition of community members and organizations. Admission is free. Beer truck vendors will sell alcoholic beverages.
On Saturday, September 16, beginning at 7 p.m., there will be a free concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park. This event will be the finale of the 360/40 celebration and the inaugural Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival. The Songwriter Festival, a BMI supported musical festival presented by the Town of Hilton Head Island, runs from September 14-17. This three-day festival will feature over 25 visiting performers and a dozen local ones. Visit hiltonheadislandjam.com for a full list of performers and local venues where they will perform.
Between August 26 and September 16, you can enjoy unique experiences that honor the island’s rich natural, cultural, and historic resources. The town has a dedicated website (hiltonheadisland360-40.org), which details celebration events and chronicles the island’s history and accomplishments. Additionally, the site allows you to share memories, milestones, and photos you have captured that reflect Hilton Head Island’s unique history and culture. We encourage your participation because you are a part of history and make up the fabric of our community.
To learn more about celebrations to honor our island’s milestones, history, growth, and people, please visit hiltonheadisland360-40.org. We look forward to seeing you on August 26 for our first and September 16 for our second anchor event.
