Hilton Head Celebration
Hilton Head is honoring its history.
The Town of Hilton Head is recognizing two milestones this year: 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.
To spotlight these watershed moments, the Town of Hilton Head Island has planned a series of events that will celebrate the island’s history, ecology, culture, and people.
“We want to unite the community to celebrate what is important to us. Each of us has a story about how this place has inspired, nurtured, or sustained us,” said Mayor Alan Perry in a news release.
The celebrations will include two free “anchor” events: a community picnic on Saturday, Aug. 26, and a concert in the park on Sept. 16.
Between those dates will be a series of unique experiences designed to honor the Island’s rich natural, cultural, and historic resources.
To stay updated with all the happenings, a website (hiltonheadisland360-40.org) has been launched to provide details about celebration events and chronicle the island’s history and accomplishments. The site allows community members to share memories, milestones, and photos.
In addition to the community picnic, tours, concerts, and music happenings, there are opportunities for the public to be involved with the celebration:
Volunteer for 360/40 Celebration Events: The 360/40 Celebration Committee seeks volunteers to help with the community picnic, community concert, and various celebration events from Aug. 26-Sept. 16. Sign up at the 360/40 event website.
Submit a Hilton Head Island Milestone: Share memorable moments or photos about Hilton Head Island’s unique history and culture. Submit online at the 360/40 event website.
Submit a 360/40 Celebration Event: Submissions welcomed from nonprofits, businesses, and the cultural community. Submit your event information by Aug. 1 for the second round of promotions. Go to the 360/40 website.
To learn more, visit hiltonheadisland360-40.org. For questions, email 360-40celebration@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
Community Picnic
When: 4-8 p.m. Aug. 26
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park. 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head
Description: 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. Recognition of community members and organizations. Free.
Community Concert
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 16
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park. 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head
Description: Finale of the 360/40 celebration and the inaugural Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival. Free.
