In addition to the centuries of history preserved here on St. Simons Island, we have our own more personal history and traditions that make us unique. People may compare St. Simons to other beach towns and coastal communities, but there is no other place in the world quite like it. We take care of each other here, as has been amply demonstrated following hurricanes and tropical storms, and the pandemic. We’re more than neighbors and friends, we are family. These are the moments that fill our scrapbooks. We invite you to scroll through our Social Scene galleries to see photos capturing these special times.
Taps at Twilight
One of our most moving island traditions is the Memorial Day commemoration program, Taps at Twilight. This local community event began in 1991 and is presented annually by the St. Simons Rotary Club to honor the men and women who have fallen in the service of our country, those who have valiantly served and returned, and those who are serving today. The free program takes place outside at Neptune Park and includes patriotic music, a guest speaker, flag ceremony and wreath presentation. It concludes with the bugle notes of Taps echoing through the air.
St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast
Although the month in which the event occurs has changed over the years, the St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast at Gascoigne Bluff is always highly anticipated. The first oyster roast held by the St. Simons Land Trust was held at Village Creek Landing in 2000. When it grew out of its surroundings, it moved to Fort Frederica, where it could accommodate up to 600 attendees. Today the event draws 1,500 or more to enjoy the juicy roasted oysters and other plentiful fare donated by area restaurants and businesses. Join in and see for yourself on January 21, 2023!
Chris Moncus Photography
St Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast
Photos by Chris Moncus Photography
Frederica Patriot’s Day Parade
It’s not every day you see a column of Revolutionary War reenactors parading through the Village, but you will on April 19 or the Saturday that immediately precedes it. Georgia Patriot’s Day falls on April 19 and commemorates the date in 1778 when the Georgia Continental Navy captured three British ships in the Frederica River. A newer island tradition, marking its 12th year in 2023, the commemorative event is sponsored by the Georgia Sons of the American Revolution, Marshes of Glynn Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Fort Frederica and. Brunswick Chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The day begins with a memorial ceremony at Neptune Park with cannon and musket salutes followed by a Parade of Patriots that includes Revolutionary reenactors, color guard, JROTC cadets, and local Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Super Dolphin Day
This annual fun fundraiser in February for St. Simons Elementary School and Oglethorpe Point Elementary School began in 1978 as a way to encourage students to become more physically active. The first race was a one-mile fun run, but based on the event’s success and popularity, it has evolved to include 5K and 10K races, a pre-race pasta party or dinner and expo the night before the race, and a silent auction. Money raised goes to the school PTA programs. It seems like the entire island comes out to Neptune Park to run, walk, or cheer on the participants.
Red Hot Chili Cookoff
The Rotary Red Hot Chili Cookoff that takes place the first Saturday in March at Postell Park just celebrated its 20th year. Presented by the Golden Isles Rotary Club, the cook-off features teams from the community and local restaurants competing for awards including best chili, most unique chili, best heat, most team spirit, as well as the coveted People’s Choice award. As one of the first outdoor events in spring, it’s generally very well attended.
Christ Church Tour of Homes
One of the oldest island traditions, the Christ Church Frederica Tour of Homes will be in its 69th year when it returns on March 18, 2023. This annual spring event depends on the generous participation of more than 300 church and community volunteers who donate their time and talents. The tour generally features 10-12 stops that include private homes on St. Simons Island and Sea Island, as well as Christ Church and the Parish House. The tour is presented by the Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church Frederica and funds raised are used for community outreach grants.
Elegant Island Living/Julie Andrew
Little League Opening Day
For a true taste of small-town Americana, there’s the Glynn Country Recreation and Parks Department Little League Opening Day celebration in the spring. There is nothing like seeing the teams holding their banners in the parade through the Village to reach Mallery Park ballfields for the Opening Day ceremony. Whether you have a child playing or not, you should go out and cheer them on!
Sunrise Service at the Pier
On Easter Sunday, area churches get together to present a nondenominational sunrise service for the community at the St. Simons Island Pier. The lawn above the Johnson rocks fills with families coming out to watch the sunrise and celebrate the miracle of Easter morning.
Summer Concerts
Summer concerts that take place on the St. Simons Lighthouse lawn and at Neptune Park bring out the island faithful and friends from near and far to enjoy music and fellowship by the sea. Not only does the location make for a beautiful backdrop, but the ocean breeze is also more than welcome at this time of year! From Motown hits to Southern rock, it’s always a good time!
Light Music crowd at the lighthouse
Sunshine Festival
The 4th of July on St. Simons Island begins early with the annual Sunshine Festival 5K run presented by the Golden Isles Track Club and concludes with fireworks at the pier. The events taking place during the day have varied over the years, but you can always find the arts and crafts vendors in the park and a festive golf cart parade in the village. To see what this year’s fun looked like, check out the Social Scene pages in this issue.
Georgia-Florida Weekend
The annual football game that pits the University of Georgia Bulldogs against the University of Florida Gators is held in Jacksonville, Florida on the last weekend of October/first weekend of November. St. Simons Island has been faithfully hosting UGA students and their friends as they make the trek from Athens to the game each season, earning their East Beach gathering place the moniker “Frat Beach.” It’s a crazy weekend, to say the least! Love it or hate it, it’s part of what makes us St. Simons Island!
Christmas Eve
One of our most beloved traditions occurs on Christmas Eve. This is when Santa Claus climbs on the antique fire truck to make rounds through the island neighborhoods with an escort provided by the Glynn Country Volunteer Fire Department and the assistance of the St. Simons Civenettes. In the years before COVID appeared, Santa made stops in several locations for last minute requests and to hand out stockings, and hopefully that will again be possible. Even the adults get giddy when we hear the sirens and know he’ll be riding by.