James Otto finishes off Saturday at Water Festival (w/ video)

James Otto finishes off Saturday at Water Festival (w/ video)

By Susan Clark |  Cowboy hats and boots were plentiful at the Concert in the Park last night as country fans gathered en mass to listen to what James Otto brought to Beaufort. Otto penned the song “Just Got Started Loving You” which was the No. 1 country single of 2008 on Billboard.  Other popular songs by Otto include “Are Ya With Me”,“Shake What God Gave Ya” and “Soldiers & Jesus”.  Opening for Otto was Savannah native Chuck Courtenay.  Courtenay is no stranger to Water Festival, having opened for Concert in the Park’s act Jake Owen in 2010.

With a day full of events behind everyone including, the Raft Races, Badminton & Bocce Tournaments, some toadfisiing, a ski show and more, the night started slowly, but as the sun set and time went on the numbers grew.  The low chatter then turned into a loud rumble and the crowd’s energy rose.

Country fan Amber Shannon came out to the concert with dancing on her mind. “I enjoy country music in the live atmosphere.  I’m going to be dancing all night,” Shannon said. 

For Katie Knight, coming out for concert in the park has become a tradition. “This is the fifth year now; my aunt and I come out for the country music,” Knight said. 

She is not the only one who makes it out every year; Steven Vega does too. “I like coming to concert in the park.  I come almost every year,” Vega said.  He described concert in the park as his favorite Water Festival event.

 Whether its a last minute decision or a tradition, concert in the park is a guaranteed great time.

Sunday July 15th brings the following to the Beaufort Water Festival:

Festival Art and Craft Market from  9am – 5pm on the Promenade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Boat Bingo 10am – 2pm, Local Waters
CHILDREN’S DAY, Featuring shows, rides, games, and prizes 11am – 3pm, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park 
Gatorland Ski Show from 2pm – 4pm, on Beaufort River, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Free to the public
Sailing Regatta (continued) at 2pm. Warning for final race in front of BYSC; 5pm Awards
TEEN DANCE from 6pm-9pm, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park

For more info on today’s events, click here to visit the Beaufort Water Festival’s website.

Here’s some video of the Raft Races and of course, James Otto…