🌱 26th Hilton Head Wingfest + Revitalizing Beaufort's Vacant Homes

Hi all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Hilton Head Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 60 Low: 44.
• Tuesday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 61 Low: 56.

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Here are the top three stories today in and around Hilton Head:

1. Saturday, Mar. 18 marked the 26th annual Hilton Head Wingfest, a community tradition that celebrates all things wings. Local restaurants, live musicians, and family-friendly activities all converged at the Lowcountry Celebration Park to provide attendees with incredible food, music, and fun. Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry and Town Manager Marc Orlando were among the judging panel for the wing competition, where One Hot Mamma's took first prize, followed by HH Firefighters' Association (2nd) and Wild Wing Cafe (3rd). Coconutz won the top spot in the People's Choice category. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
2. A $1.2 million anonymous commitment has been made to help revitalize Beaufort's historically Black neighborhoods through the newly formed Freedman Arts District. The program aims to restore vacant houses and assist property owners in renting them out, turning liabilities into assets, retaining family ownership, and preserving the architecture. The initiative is seen as an opportunity for longtime residents to benefit from Beaufort's strong tourism economy and growing demand for places to stay, generating additional income for the community. (The Beaufort Gazette)
3. This Wednesday, Mar. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. is the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival's Sip and Stroll, where attendees can enjoy an evening of great wine and shopping at the Shops at Sea Pines Center. The Sip & Stroll event is returning to the Sea Pines resort, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a pop-up art market featuring local artists and musicians. The event has become a popular part of the Festival, offering visitors the chance to meet the artists and enjoy live music while strolling around the grounds. For $49.00, attendees can gain free entry to Sea Pines and take part in this popular event. (Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival)

From our sponsor:

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Coming up in Hilton Head:

Monday, March 20

• Special Called Meeting Of County Council At Beaufort County Clerk-Council Chambers (4:00 PM)
• Live Trivia With Warren At Hilton Head Branch Library (5:30 PM)

Tuesday, March 21

• Tea, Talk & Tales Book Club At Hilton Head Branch Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Hilton Head Branch Library is hosting an hour of trivia tonight, featuring topics such as pop culture, movies, music, history, and science. Hosted by Warren, attendees can expect a lively evening of witty banter, music, and the chance to win first and second-place prizes. (Beaufort County Library)
• The Hilton Head Branch Library is offering a creative approach to retirement with "Retire Ready with Julie Martin" on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Attendees can learn how to replace their work identity, stay socially connected, and remain physically and mentally sharp in retirement. (Beaufort County Library)
• A new drug to fight Alzheimer's has been fast-tracked for approval this year, but one Hilton Head woman said she's ineligible to receive it because she was part of a previous clinical trial. Read about 55-year-old Claudia Wall and her story at the link. (The Post and Courier)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.