15th Annual Park Day on Daniel Island!

Nothing ushers in the much-anticipated fall season in these parts better than Park Day. The traditional and popular Daniel Island event, now in its 15th year, will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Daniel Island Children’s Park - a new, yet familiar location for the event - with plenty of fresh offerings, as well as some old favorites. Where else can you take a ride on a mechanical bull, enjoy a bungee trampoline, get your face painted, shake your groove thing while watching the Daniel Island Peace Love Hip Hop dancers, and take in a college football game on the big screen in the Daniel Island Grille Sports Pub tent? “Park Day is designed to be lively, festive and fun and we feel it lives up to that reputation and more!” said Barbara McLaughlin, manager of community services for the Daniel Island Property Owners Association. “There’s live music and entertainment throughout the day, the air is filled with the smells of great food, the setting is beautiful and there are great activities and fun things to do that will keep the whole family entertained all day long.” Park Day began on Daniel Island in 2001 as a way for island residents to come together and enjoy some good old fashioned homegrown fun while showcasing the various features of the community, most notably the family-friendly and picturesque parks. That first year, attendees biked and walked to multiple park locations around the island. Soon after, the festivities shifted to Children’s Park, where they remained for several years before switching over to Governors Park in 2012. “It comes as no surprise that Children’s Park, the original venue for the event for many years, has been the favorite location of many,” added McLaughlin. “We decided that we wanted to come back to its roots and host the event along the beautiful Wando River. Also, because this day benefits charities that help children among others, we felt it was appropriate to bring it back ‘home’ to Children’s Park after spending three years at Governors Park.” Over the years, it is estimated that some 100,000 people have attended Park Day, with an average annual turnout of about 6,000 to 7,000 in recent years. The event has grown considerably since its beginnings and it now takes about a full year to complete all of the preparations for the big day, added McLaughlin. “Planning for Park Day involves not only the organizing committee, but it involves the City of Charleston, Charleston Police and Fire Department, EMT’s and coordination this year with around 160 various vendors, entertainers, non-profits and sponsors.” McLaughlin and her team have been working diligently to create another memorable event in 2015 that will include “a sprinkling of new activities,” she said. What’s different? Look for the K-9’s Flight Dog Acrobatic Exhibition, the Gold Medal BMX Bike Show, Caleb Alexander the Magician, the Taiko Charleston Drummers, Becky’s Box of Puppets, Corey Cox Stilt Walker, and an expanded food truck rodeo. Among the returning favorites are giant slides, jump castles, an obstacle course, the 30-foot climbing wall, trackless train rides, petting zoo, pony rides, and more. A variety of entertainment will also be featured, such as the Midnight City Band, Lauren Hall, Soul Fish Band, Black Tie Music Academy Adult Jam Band and Kids Rock Band, Krazy K & The Electric Company, and Bianca Bourbeau & Dusty the Dragon. A variety of local clubs, groups and other organizations will also be hosting booths at the event. Park Day is celebrated not only for its many fun-filled activities, but also for its theme as a “day of giving.” The event has long showcased and supported a number of local philanthropic organizations, raising more than $300,000 for a diverse collection of more than 60 area non-profits since its inception. While in years past, a number of organizations have benefited from proceeds from ticketed activities, this year only two charities - Camp Happy Days and the Charleston Animal Society - will serve as beneficiaries. McLaughlin addressed why organizers felt it was time for a change. “While we enjoyed being able to give back to the many and various non-profits highlighted each year as beneficiaries, we decided this year to make a greater impact, by providing more money to fewer charities,” said McLaughlin. “By doing so, we think that these two beneficiaries this year, Camp Happy Days and Charleston Animal Society, will be able to take home a more sizable contribution and that’s exciting to us! Park Day offers a great way to showcase the activities of many of the organizations that the Daniel Island Community Fund supports and is an opportunity for these organizations to raise additional dollars and awareness.” Cindy Johnson, executive director of Camp Happy Days, expressed her appreciation for the organization’s selection as a Park Day charity this year. "Being part of Park Day will give us wonderful exposure to children and families,” she said. “Through their generous support we will be able to offer more support to families who will be able to attend our family weekend, which is open to families who have had a child diagnosed with cancer. This weekend offers education and resources to our families and gives them a chance to bond with other families who are experiencing their same difficulties.” “Charleston Animal Society has been a recipient of donations from Daniel Island Park Day for many past years,” added Kay Hyman, director of community engagement for Charleston Animal Society. “Support from Daniel Island Park Day has helped us to sustain a ‘No Kill’ community! Donations help our communities’ animals who have been abandoned, abused and neglected, providing medical care to heal and love to mend their broken hearts!” So mark your calendars and head on down to Children’s Park this weekend. Not only will there be a little something for everyone to enjoy, but you’ll be helping those less fortunate along the way. “People love helping and giving back to organizations that benefit so many - and that’s what Park Day is all about!” added McLaughlin. Admission and parking for Park Day are free, although some activities will require a fee. For the complete list of all Park Day activities, visit www.danielislandparkday.com.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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