Mayfest Returns for its 43rd year
A tradition that goes back more than four decades, Mayfest is one of Bluffton’s favorite events of the year. With a wide variety of food, art, crafts and live music, Mayfest has something for everyone.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bluffton, the 43rd annual Mayfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 13 in Old Town Bluffton. Admission is free, but make sure to bring some money for all the goodies you will want to purchase. Attendees are encouraged to park at Red Cedar Elementary School to catch a free shuttle ride to and from the festival.
Mayfest chairperson Mary O’Neill is looking forward to making money for the charities her club supports. Bluffton Self Help, Volunteers in Medicine and Habitat for Humanity are a few of those charities. She said the annual festival usually brings in about $30,000.
“We are a service organization,” O’Neill said. “Next year I’m the president, and that’s what I’m pushing — that we really get it out to the community that every time they support us, it helps us raise money for all the charities within our community.”
This year’s Mayfest will include more than 150 local and regional art, craft and food vendors, and live entertainment by Bluffton School of Dance, Burnt Church Revival, Lyn Avenue, Heavy Honey and the Jason LaPorte Duo.
Bluffton Family Seafood House, Bluffton Oyster Company, Southern Spice Deli & Catering, New York City Pizza and The Sugaree will all be serving up their delicious creations at the event this year.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Mayfest without a couple of fun contests. The Ugly Dog Contest has been a Bluffton tradition for more than 30 years and is always a howling success. What could be more entertaining than a group of unsightly animals vying for the title of ugliest dog? The dogs don’t seem to mind the insults, and their humans are proud to take home the awards.
The pie-eating contest is a hoot for spectators and participants alike. Unfortunately — or fortunately depending on how you look at it — the contest was more entertaining for the spectators than the contestants one year.
O’Neill said the pies used in the pie-eating contest are supposed to be filled with cream, but one year someone forgot to mention that small detail.
“People honestly stuck their faces in cherry pie and had big chunks,” O’Neill recalled. “It was pretty funny to watch these people. … I’ve never seen such a mess in my entire life.”
For an artsy experience, make sure to stop and see this year’s featured artist, Lauren Terrett, demonstrating her painting skills alongside her fellow artists at La Petite Gallerie, located at 56 Calhoun Street.
“I invite people to paint with me while I demo,” Terrett said. “And I am usually able to get the first-time artists to finish a painting.”
Terrett’s colorful, impressionistic paintings of the people, wildlife, landscape and architecture of the Lowcountry have been on display at La Petite Gallerie for the past seven years. Her work can also be found at the Society of Bluffton Artists, at Alexander’s Restaurant on Hilton Head Island, and on Facebook and Instagram under the name “Lauren Arsenault Terrett.”
Like many others, Terrett looks forward to Mayfest every year. She loves wandering the streets of Old Town, breathing in the delightful aromas of seafood, perusing the pieces of art on display and spending time with friends. She is proud to call Bluffton her home.
“We get to show off our charming town to people attending Mayfest from out of state,” Terrett said.
For details on Mayfest or the Rotary Club of Bluffton, go to blufftonrotary.org/page/mayfest.
Entertainment Schedule
Entertainment at Mayfest this year will include performances on the main stage at Martin Family Park, on a second stage on Bridge Street, at DuBois Park and at the Heyward House.
Martin Family Park Performances:
• Bluffton School of Dance 10-10:40 a.m.
• Burnt Church Revival 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Lyn Avenue 2-4:30 p.m.
Bridge Street Performances:
• Heavy Honey 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Jason LaPorte Duo 2-4:30 p.m.
DuBois Park Pavilion:
• Pie-eating contest 11:30 a.m
The Heyward House:
• Ugly Dog Contest 1 p.m.
