EVENTBRITE
EGG DROPS AGES 1-12 (TICKETS REQUIRED) PETTING ZOO - FREE ADMISSION FOR ADULTS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL - KIDZONE
SCAN TO REGISTER
9:30AM - 2PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
BEAUFORT ACADEMY FOOTBALL FIELD
MARCH 20–26, 2025
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Bluffton’s Robert Parsons, 10, on a homeschool field trip, is studying about the 13 colonies and made the trip to Beaufort on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 for the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Beaufort during his Farewell Tour of the Nation in March 1825. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Lafayette returns Beaufort celebrates 200th anniversary of the Marquis’ historic visit
Staff reports The spring weather was perfect Tuesday, March 18, 2025, for the reenactment of the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette in Beaufort 200 years ago to the day. The Marquis, played by nationally known historical interpreter Mark Schneider, arrived by boat to the day dock in Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park at 10 a.m. accompanied by a cannon volley and 13-gun salute from the Sons of the American Revolution. “It’s a glorious day and it’s amazing how many folks have come out from the community. It’s phenomenal,” said Lise Sundria, of the Historic Beaufort Foundation. “We began a year ago engaging the City as a partner and had our first [planning] committee meeting in August of 2024.” “I'm impressed. I'm overwhelmed at the crowd,” Beaufort mayor Phil Cromer said. Caroline Coslick, one of the many attendees in the park said, “I have a French flag. I love the
French. How could we not come down here. It’s a beautiful day. All my life I’ve heard of Lafayette standing at the Verdier House and now I finally get a chance to see him.” Following the arrival in Waterfront Park and short procession by horse-drawn carriage down Bay Street, Lafayette and dignitaries made brief speeches from the portico of the John Mark Verdier House before the unveiling of the historical marker celebrating the occasion. Cromer said, “Here upon the shores of our beloved Carolina, where the spirit of independence first took root, we receive you not only as a hero of two worlds, but as a cherished friend and brother at arms.” Lt. Col. Chris Lyon, Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort said, “Events like this remind us that history is not just something we study, it is something we live. Something we continue to write together.”
Mayor Phil Cromer gives a Key to The City to Lafayette (reenactor Mark Schneider) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, during the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Beaufort during his Farewell Tour of the Nation in March 1825. Amber Hewitt/The Island News When Mark Schneider spoke as Lafayette, he said, “My heart is filled with joy at my love for this great state of South Carolina and this noble city of Beaufort. God bless you all and this great nation of the United States of America.”
Events continued throughout the day on Scott Street with living history demonstrations and culminating with a period costume ball, “Dancing with Lafayette,” at the historic Beaufort Arsenal courtyard.
Dancing with Our Stars again a huge success for CAPA
2025 Dancing With Our Stars contestants Nick Borreggine and Erin Demers. Photo courtesy of Andrea Labonte
Staff reports Another year, another successful Dancing with Our Stars. The event, hosted by the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), in partnership with the Exchange Club of Beaufort, and held at the USCB Center for the Arts on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15, 2025, raised $258,814 to support CAPA’s programs.
The event, presented by Hilton Head Cadillac, featured local “stars” paired with professional dance instructors, who captivated audiences with choreographed performances. The journey began with a kick-off dinner on November 21, 2024, where the teams were introduced and began their training. The event featured a Preview Show on Friday, March 14, fol-
lowed by the main event on Saturday, March 15, where the winners were announced. “We are overwhelmed by the incredible support from our community, year in and year out,” CAPA Executive Director Christina Wilson said in a news release. “The funds raised this
SEE STARS PAGE A5
EDUCATION
ARTS
HEALTH
INSIDE
10 more books face statewide ban from public school libraries
Tickets on sale for Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcowuntry’s Upcycled Art Auction.
BMH unveils $17.5K sponsorship to support Beaufort County high schools.
PAGE A10
PAGE A11
PAGE A15
Lowcountry Life A2 News A2–5 Business A5 State News A6 Faith A7 Sports A9
Education Arts Military Legals Health Voices
A10–11 A11 A12 A13 A14–15 A16–17