The Fourth of July Sunshine Festival
In Neptune Park at The Pier
Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5
Juried Arts & Crafts Show
Fun Run
Fabulous Fireworks
Every summer, the Golden Isles population
swells by thousands. It is a time when visitors come
with their families and friends to enjoy the beach,
the food, and the entertainment -- coastal style.
One of the biggest summer attractions is the
Annual Sunshine Festival in the Pier Village on St.
Simons Island. It is a tradition among locals and
visitors alike.
The Sunshine Festival was started in the early
1960s by the local Junior Chamber of Commerce as
a major club fundraiser. It included the “Dunk –a-
Jaycee” booth and an air show. There was a merry
go round, a ferris wheel, and a miniature train that
were all permanent fixtures in Neptune Park until
the 1970s. The “pier”, what locals called the village
then, was the only place in the area to catch the
fireworks on the 4th. An arts and crafts show was
added later, and the Pier Village Association
eventually took over planning and organizing the
event.
Today in the Golden Isles there are numerous
venues offering fireworks, food, and games but the
St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival is still the main
attraction.
This year’s annual Sunshine Festival events
include a 5K and 1 Mile Run sponsored by the
Golden Isles Track Club, the Sunshine Festival Arts
and Crafts Show, the annual golf cart parade and
entertainment along with a huge fireworks display
on the 4th! The event is free and open to the
public.
Proceeds from the Pier Village Association
Sunshine Festival Arts and Crafts Show fund
projects that enhance the appearance and
functionality of the Pier Village. Funds raised by the
Golden Isles Track Club go to local charities.
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