On the heels of last month’s Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble, get set for another holiday-themed fun run happening this weekend, the ever-popular Reindeer Run. More about that in a minute. As I covered in that last blog, this past weekend was filled with tree lightings and parades. They were set for various venues around the Lowcountry, all within easy driving (or even walking) distance of the Isle of Palms.
Weather and schedules
Alas, the weather was a bit uncooperative, as rains put a damper on certain events. Saturday’s Isle of Palms Street Festival and Tree Lighting went on as scheduled. The free carnival rides were spinning, including a big Ferris wheel on Ocean Boulevard near Front Beach. Sunday’s events didn’t fare quite as well. Out of an abundance of caution, the powers-that-be decided to postpone the downtown Charleston Christmas Parade. It’s been rescheduled for Sunday, December 16th. The parade specs will stay the same. It will start at 3:00 p.m. near Colonial Lake, travel up Broad Street to King Street, then on up to Marion Square. If you’re in one of our beach rentals Charleston that weekend, it’s worth a trip to the peninsula. After all, Santa will be there. The tree lighting ceremony was skipped due to the weather. But fear not, they lighted the tree and Marion Square anyway, just without the official hoopla.
Free parking when heading downtown
I’ve covered this before, and I’ll cover it again. The City of Charleston is offering a nice holiday gift of two hours of free parking in one of several downtown parking garages. Of course a visit to the Isle of Palms isn’t complete without a trip to the historic peninsula. This helps out. You can print out a voucher here.
Run, Run Rudolph!
This coming Saturday morning, December 8th, is the 28th annual Reindeer Run and Walk. There will be cash prizes, creative costumes, kids and dogs. Unlike the Turkey Day Run Gobble Wobble, strollers and dogs are not only allowed, but actually encouraged. It tends to relax the scene a bit when you throw babies and canines into the mix. It also ups the cuteness factor, bigtime. There’s also free beer and a big afterparty for those 21 and over. The Reindeer Run is a 5K (3.1 miles) through the streets of the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston. It’s quite a scenic route. It’s just the thing to get you in the mood for Christmas and is well suited for all fitness levels. They give awards for kids 6 & under and adults up to 99 and beyond. You are encouraged to dress in your best holiday costumes to win fabulous prizes. Categories include: Adult Individual, Child Individual, Group and Dog.
More specs on the Reindeer Run
Runners start at 9:00 a.m., walkers at 9:05 a.m. The race/walk begins and also ends at the corner of East Bay and Queen Streets. The Reindeer Run also happens to be a terrific fundraiser for MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and is sponsored by Half-Moon Outfitters. Over the years they’ve raised over $1,000,000 for the hospital. Last year alone it was $50,000. Here’s more about the event from Count on 2. Here’s the official website, with registration info: http://www.reindeerrun.org/ So check it out if you're so inclined. And when you are looking for beach houses near Charleston, just call EP. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger