Staying Optimistic in the Lowcountry Amid Local Event Cancellations Due to COVID-19

Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash

With COVID-19 continuing to affect our community, it is important that we all stay informed. The CDC has recently issued a set of guidelines instructing event organizers to reconsider their plans for the coming weeks. Although we had hoped to bring you a roundup of fun, family-friendly springtime events in the Lowcountry, instead we are here to provide a list of event cancellations during this difficult season along with ideas to stay optimistic through it all!

 

1. RBC Heritage 2020 | Hilton Head

We had previously posted about this PGA golf event which draws more than 100,000 spectators annually. The PGA Tour announced this month that they are halting all tournaments through May 10th, including the RBC Heritage, and in the wake of this announcement the tournament is working to issue refunds to all who purchased tickets. If you purchased and would like to donate your ticket, secure a spot for the 2021 RBC Heritage, or be refunded, you can do so here.

This news is not only upsetting for those planning to attend, but also for the local charities that receive more than $3 million per year in donations from this single event alone. The organizers are remaining optimistic, however. Their website states: “The Heritage Classic Foundation would like to thank all sponsors, ticket buyers and volunteers for their dedication and support through this uncertain time. The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will be back April 12-18, 2021 with renewed energy to generate revenue for the community and charitable dollars for the Heritage Classic Foundation’s registered charities.” Upon visiting the website, you’ll find an optimistic reminder that life will return to normal—a countdown to RBC Heritage 2021.

If you had hoped to get your fix of PGA golfing goodness this spring at the RBC Heritage, or are simply looking to have a bit of fun indoors, we suggest setting up a mini-golf course for your kiddos! If you’re a serious golf aficionado, however, you might be interested in an indoor putting green or virtual golf simulator!

 

2. Easter Eggstravaganza | Hilton Head

Held at the Shelter Cove Community Park, this Easter egg hunt is a popular annual event for local families and visitors alike. The eggs are filled each year by a local nonprofit, Pockets Full of Sunshine, whose mission is to provide inclusive vocational and social opportunities to individuals with disabilities. If you’re looking for a great local nonprofit to donate or support during this isolating time, we highly suggest looking into helping out this great organization.

The Easter Eggstravaganza has sadly been cancelled to protect you and your little egg-hunters from exposure to Covid-19. Although an outdoor event like this would definitely be preferable, hosting your own indoor egg hunt for your immediate family would be a great alternative!

3. Taste of Bluffton

Taste of Bluffton is truly a “Southern celebration of food.” This year would be the eighth year of delicious cuisine, live music, and a festival in the streets of the heart of Bluffton. Rather than cancel this tasty event, the organizers have decided to postpone, and will update their Facebook page as the situation changes.

In the meantime, why not try your hand at Lowcountry cuisine at home? Southern Kitchen has over 700 recipes, including Bluffton delicacies such as Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Gravy, Grilled Oysters (or fried), and Frogmore Stew. If you’re wanting some recipes in book form, we suggest Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way by Sallie Ann Robinson or Hoppin’ John’s Lowcountry Cooking by John Martin Taylor, available on Amazon in paperback or kindle format.

4. Hilton Head Island Music Festival

Held at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head, this festival which debuted last year has been cancelled. Despite their Eventbrite page stating that they’d have the event “rain or shine” and that they will not accept refunds, due to these unprecedented circumstances they are issuing refunds and hope to reschedule in the Fall. The event would have featured local artists, blues and reggae bands, and highlighted Boston’s Tommy DeCarlo and his son in their new band, DECARLO. In the meantime, we made a Spotify playlist featuring some of the bands (both local and beyond) that were to be featured in the festival this year!

Whether you had planned on attending a local event or were simply hoping to get out of the house this spring, the important thing to do now is to stay informed. Stay tuned to your local news to stay on top of closures, check Facebook pages for local event updates, and visit your town’s website for official messages from your local government. Stay safe, be smart, and stay well!