The Beachbum Tradition

Well folks, it's that time again. Time to get wet!! Now going into it's 16th year, the Beach Bum Parade is almost here and the heat came just in time.

How did it all start?
It all started 16 years ago when the softball team called the "Beach Bums" were challenged to a game by "Pier 1", another softball team. It was the North End playing the South End. Low and behold, it was the first game the Bums ever won (and it wasn't even a league game). After the game, the Bums and Pier 1 drove up and down Butler Avenue with police escorts as the teams bombed each other with water balloons. Before they knew it there was a mini water fight in the making. Since then, it has become Tybee's Beach Bum Parade that is held every year to kick off our tourist season.

Who are the Beach Bums?
Because softball was taken so seriously back then, the Beach Bums softball team was created to lighten things up. You had to be at least 40 years of age and have a good sense of humor to be a Bum. At the games they would sometimes dress up as women, wear funny costumes, throw stink bombs on the field and were known for indulging and playing at the same time.

How to get into the parade
To be in the parade, you must first fill out an application and send it in with a $25 application fee (there is a copy of the application in this issue). All proceeds go to a selected charity each year. This year, the proceeds will be donated for a monument at the new park at Butler & Tybrisa Street in Gary Blakes' name.

"This year we are going to limit the amount of floats to one hundred because the parade has gotton' too big," according to Jiggs Watson and Jack Boylston, both co-chairmen of the Beach Bum Committee. So, if you want to be in the parade, you better get your application in quickly. The Committee also wished to express that the parade is meant to be a family affair. In other words, for those of you who like to play rough, please remember there are children and families at the parade who don't like to play as hard as you do. Please soak others with care as no one wants to get hurt.

For more information or details call Jiggs Watson at 912-786-5541. If you get the answering machine, please leave a message so that your call can be returned.

The Coronation Party
About a week before the parade, the Bums hold a Coronation Party. At the party the Big Kahuna, Grand Marshall and Queen of the parade are announced. Last year's officials will crown this year's and the new officials have the opportunity to say a word or two. The party continues with a live band, plenty of spirits and dancing for everyone. This year's party will be at The Grill Beachside on May 15th around sixish (sixish being on Tybee Time) and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.

The Parade
The parade begins on May 24th at 6:30 p.m. beginning at the Lighthouse parking lot and goes all the way down Butler to Tybrisa going left and ends at the parking lot just south of the Pier. During the parade you will find plenty of people and you might even see a camera or two from the WTOC TV Station televising the parade. After the parade, dance the night away at the Beach Bum Bash on the Pavilion. It's FREE!
Some words of advice
If you aren't the type that enjoys getting wet, it is a good idea that on the night of the parade to stay indoors until the parade is over. You might even want to stay in for a little bit longer than that, because after the parade ends the water fight continues for some time.

One final note: On the application it clearly states that water balloons and pressure washers are not to be used and are considered dangerous. The police will be strictly enforcing this ban. Last but not least, do not attempt to aim your hose or water gun at a police officer, that is unless you want to be heavily fined or possibly go to jail.

Look forward to seeing ya'll at the parade!
-Bry