Residents Voice Concerns Over Heritage Days Parade Safety
BEAUFORT — A recent County Council meeting turned into a heated exchange as St. Helena Island residents expressed their frustration regarding the Penn Center’s Heritage Days parade. For 40 years, this beloved tradition has celebrated the rich history and culture of the Gullah-Geechee people, but this year, it ran into a snag that left many feeling unsafe and unheard.
Typically, the Heritage Days parade involves the joyous closing of U.S. Highway 21 to accommodate thousands of participants. However, on November 9, things took a different turn. Instead of blocking off the highway, deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office decided to escort vehicles in one lane while the parade marched on in another, prompting a wave of discontent from the community.
Community Outcry
Residents didn’t hold back during public comments, labeling the change as “frustrating,” “disrespectful,” and “dangerous.” The new plan resulted in a free flow of traffic just feet away from the parade participants, which many locals viewed as a reckless decision. “Kids could have gotten run over,” said Rev. Jack Ladson, a long-time pastor in the area, who was visibly shaken by the safety risks posed during the parade.
Penn Center leaders echoed these concerns with Executive Director Robert Adams stating that the changes were “an experiment.” He noted, “We all knew that it was going to be an experiment. I think everyone knows that we didn’t get the recipe right yet.” Many are demanding a more effective plan for future events to ensure the safety of all involved.
A Week of Reflection
In a bid to address these issues, Chairwoman of the Penn Center’s Board of Trustees, Deloris Pringle, announced that the board plans to draft a letter to Sheriff PJ Tanner. She emphasized that the lack of road closure not only disrespected the parade participants but also jeopardized their safety.
The beautiful Penn Center, located at 16 Penn Center Circle West, has deep roots in the local community. Established back in 1865, it was the first school in the American South aimed at educating formerly enslaved individuals, becoming a pivotal institution in the region’s civil rights efforts. The annual Heritage Days Celebration, a cherished cultural event, has transformed drastically over the years, now stretching over three days packed with festivities that draw crowds of up to 10,000 people.
A Compromise in Traffic Control
Sheriff Tanner defended the new traffic protocol, explaining that with the area’s growth, closing the highway for extended periods simply isn’t practical. “This area has grown so much over the years,” Tanner explained. “It’s not realistic to close the highway for hours.” According to him, even with a shortened parade route, clearing the traffic still took over an hour and a half. While the sheriff asserted that the escorted traffic allowed for safety, many residents are unconvinced.
Local leaders argue that other streets across Beaufort County are regularly closed for parades without issue, highlighting inconsistencies in how events are managed in the area. They expressed hope that next year’s parade will embrace a different strategy. “I hope to see a different plan,” Pringle noted. “I don’t think some people understand how important this parade is.”
Looking Ahead
In the aftermath of the event, Tanner will soon meet with Penn Center organizers to brainstorm solutions that address safety without compromising the celebratory spirit of the Heritage Days parade. The community hopes for progress that honors its traditions while keeping everyone safe for years to come.
The conversation surrounding this year’s parade remains ongoing, but one thing is clear: the folks of St. Helena Island will continue to advocate passionately for their community and culture. As they prepare for next year, they’re eager to find that delicate balance between celebration and safety.
