SCIWAY News No. 81 – February 2010

In This Issue

1. SC Picture of the Month – Folly Beach Fishing Pier
2. South Carolina's February Events

SC Picture of the Month – Folly Beach Fishing Pier

—  FOLLY BEACH FISHING PIER  |  SEE MORE  —

Folly was home to two piers before this one. Like today's pier, they also served as social centers for the island. The first pier was built in 1931, along with a pavilion, boardwalk, and the Oceanfront Hotel. In those days, you could catch an afternoon or evening concert featuring such big-band giants as Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo, and Tommy Dorsey. It was also the scene of several beauty contests, one of which was judged by the legendary George Gershwin, who summered on Folly in 1934.

That pier burned in 1957 but a new one soon replaced it – surrounded by a 1,700-foot boardwalk and a modern hotel. Called "Oceanfront Plaza," the area also featured a skating rink, a bowling alley, and a small amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a merry-go-round.

Like its predecessor, the new pier attracted plenty of famous musicians, including The Tams, The Temptations, Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs, The Catalinas, Doug Clark and The Hot Nuts, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even the inimitable Otis Redding. Throughout the '60s and '70s, young people flocked to the pier to dance the night away. Its giant windows offered wonderful breezes, and you could catch your breath, talk to friends, or share a drink with your date while staring out over the ocean.

Sadly, the pier burned again in 1977 and there were rumors of arson. Folly did not have a pier for the next 18 years.

In an entirely different vein, the current pier revolves around fishing. At 25 feet wide, it stands 23 feet above sea level. At the foot of the pier, you can also find a sit-down restaurant, an upscale gift shop, rod and tackle rentals and sales, a lower patio space available for rent, beach access, and showers.

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Department hosts monthly fishing tournaments June through September, and the Big Kahuna tournament is held in August each year. In a nod to Folly's past, it also hosts Moonlight Mixers once or twice a month during the summer.

SCIWAY sends a special thanks to Paul Dorroh for adding his photo to our South Carolina Picture Project.

South Carolina's February Events

• Charleston Brewvival – North Charleston – February 27, 2010

Breweries from around the world will be bring their tastiest, rarest, and all-around best beers for an afternoon of tastings. Live music and local food complete the event. This is a don't miss event for all craft beer fans. It will be held at the Navy Yard at Noisette and is sponsored by COAST Brewing and the Charleston Beer Exchange. The official "place to stay" is the North Charleston Aloft Hotel. Click here for great pictures of North Charleston.

• Feb 1-28: Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration - film fest, food, entertainment, arts & crafts - not everyday

• Feb 4-5: Conference on African American Studies Across the Curriculum - Columbia - open to all

• Feb 5-16: Lowcountry Blues Bash - Charleston - multiple venues - many shows free!

• Feb 6: Hilton Head Island Half Marathon and 10K / 5K - run or walk - benefits local charities

• Feb 6: RetroFest - Spartanburg - the South's largest disco party - benefits Piedmont Red Cross - event site no longer available

• Feb 6: Sweetheart Sprint 5K Run / Walk - Hampton - benefits Allendale-Hampton Regional Friends of Hospice

• Feb 11-14: Myrtle Beach Marathon - marathon, half marathon, 5K, fun run, bicycle rides, and party

• Feb 12-14: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - Charleston - art, exhibits, presentations, lectures - various sites

• Feb 18-21: Beaufort International Film Festival - categories include animation, short, feature, documentary, and student

• Feb 19-21: Battle of Aiken - Civil War reenactments, crafts, food, seminars, demonstrations - event site no longer available

• Feb 20: Make My Day 12K Columbia Trail Race - proceeds benefit Harbison State Forest - event site no longer available

• Feb 20: Mardi-Crawl-On-Shem-Creek - Mount Pleasant - benefits SC Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

• Feb 21: Chefs' Feast - Charleston - benefits the Lowcountry Food Bank childhood feeding programs

• Feb 26-27: General Francis Marion Living History - Summerton - period demonstrations, lantern walk, hands-on activities

• Feb 27: Bridesmaid's Ball - Greenville - plus a bad dress contest - benefits the Upstate Homeless Coalition - event site no longer available

• Feb 27: Lexington's Race Against Hunger - 10K run, 5K walk, 1 mile fun run, charitable event - event site no longer available

• Feb 27: Lowcountry Heritage Breeds Festival - Hilton Head - learn about and see heritage breed farm animals - event site no longer available

• Feb 27-28: Horry County Museum Quilt Gala - Myrtle Beach - demonstrations, exhibits, quilt entry open to all

• Feb 27-28: South Carolina Book Festival - Columbia - speakers, workshops, exhibits, autograph sessions - festival no longer held

• Please click here to find links for ALL February events.