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Park board recommends Awendaw host two-day "Life in the Low Country" arts festival in September
Summary
The Awendaw Municipal Park Board voted to recommend that town council approve a two-day arts festival proposed for Sept. 5–6 by artist-organizer John Deso, directing an events subcommittee and staff to draft site plans, fees and insurance requirements before final council approval.
Ashley Ble, chair of the Awendaw Municipal Park Board, said the board would move forward recommending a two-day arts festival proposed for Sept. 5–6 by artist and organizer John Deso.
Deso, who identified himself as founder of the Gifted Artist Foundation and described decades of experience producing festivals and mentoring youth artists, told the board the event would celebrate Low Country culture, showcase Gullah art, offer children’s art activities and include live music and food vendors. "It's about the culture and the history of the area," Deso said. "I want to give those who don't get the opportunity a chance." (John Deso)
Board members sought specifics about site layout, parking, porta-potties, security, insurance and cleanup. Deso said the foundation would provide logistics and liability insurance and that his preferred arrangement was a simple venue lease and a nominal rental fee. "I'm not asking the town for anything other than...how many days can I lease it and how much it will cost," he said. (John Deso)
Members emphasized the town currently has no settled standard operating procedures or firm fees for park events. Board member Chris Coulson pressed for budget detail and possible town revenue; Katherine, the town administrator, confirmed the town's code of ordinances contains no set fees for special events and that council has discussed amending the code to add event procedures and fees.
After discussion, the park board made and approved a motion to recommend the September festival to town council, subject to the events subcommittee working with the organizer and staff to draft a site plat, an SOP for event permitting, and recommended fee and deposit language. "We need to have the events group review this and come up with some kind of blueprint," the board chair said. (Ashley Ble)
Next steps: the events subcommittee will produce a draft layout and procedures for the board to review and forward to council. The board's recommendation is not a final permit; town council must still approve any rental, fees or code amendments.
