COMMODORE JAMES NUTT
67th Annual Beaufort Water Festival
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY
Just as sure as the moon changes the tide, day in and day out, the Beaufort Water Festival brings in a new theme and new leader each year. The title of Commodore is one of Beaufort’s highest honors and is bestowed upon a dedicated volunteer who has shown his or her commitment to the festival and the community. The Commodore must have the knowledge to lead all planning and execution for dozens of events and hundreds of volunteers.
This year’s Commodore is the 67th in the line of leaders. Commodore James Nutt is in his 17th year as a Water Festival volunteer, following a childhood of enjoying the festivities each summer. One of the youngest to bear the title in recent history, James embraces many local traditions. He grew up living by the tides on his jon boat and at the sandbars, often casting a line or pulling up a crab pot.
His love for the Lowcountry way of life, his family and friends, and the Beaufort Water Festival are the reason he chose this year’s theme, “Tides of Lasting Memories.” The annual design features the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge from the perspective of Cannon Park, one of James’ favorite spots downtown.
Allison Kindwall, fiancé of James and also a Beaufort native, stands by his side as the First Lady as they take the helm of our area’s biggest event. They fondly remember watching the Grand Parades, participating in Kid’s Day, and attending concerts when they were growing up.
“My very first memory of the Water Festival as a child was watching the parade after eating breakfast with my parents downtown at Harry’s, which was a restaurant on Bay Street under the old John Cross Tavern,” recalls James. “And my next memories are going to Kids’ Day with my summer camp group and walking through the Craft Market to see all the artisan goods for sale.”
Ever since his friend Adam Aimar invited James to volunteer as an adult, those Water Festival memories have multiplied, and the crew over the years has become family. Early in his volunteer years, James realized that his favorite night of the Water Festival was the Opening Ceremony and fireworks. This is because, as a crew member, he was part of all the work that went into preparing for the festival and setting up the park. To see everything come together and people fill the park is always a gratifying experience. When the fireworks go off, James describes the moment as exciting and thinks to himself, “Here we go!”
Each year that passes, the Water Festival grows and evolves. While the amount of physical labor, sleep deprivation, and challenges to bring it all together are difficult, James says that it has never outweighed the reward of being part of the crew that makes it possible.
“The Water Festival family is very special,” says James. “Beyond the festival, we are close friends who help each other during the good and bad times in our lives. We love supporting each other and helping others in the community too.”
James is grateful for all his festival friends, especially his mentors, Adam Aimar, Paul Howe, and John Gentry. Due to his skills in logistics, he enjoyed years as a director in “Parks,” which was his first big festival assignment. Among his many roles throughout the years, James has also been the coordinator of Water & Air, Productions, Public Relations, Sports, Parks, and Administration. All these multifaceted roles have shaped his understanding of the organization and led him to the position of Commodore, overseeing the entire 67th Annual Beaufort Water Festival.
When asked what he’s looking forward to most, second to the Opening Ceremony, he said the Bed Race, which is when the Commodore is pushed down Bay Street on a hospital bed by the team of Pirettes. There is always a fun theme, a lot of sprayed water, and a special surprise for the Commodore at the finish line.
“For years, I’ve unofficially been one of the masterminds behind the messy commodore surprise, so I’m prepared for true shenanigans this year when I’m on the bed,” James says with a big grin.
Surely that will be one of many lasting memories that James and Allison create, along with others in the community. They will be easy to find at all the Water Festival events as they don the traditional Commodore and First Lady colors of red and white.
On behalf of the entire crew and Past Commodores, James shares gratitude for all who support the Water Festival and continue this celebration as an important facet of Beaufort’s heritage.
