Derrick Washington
68th Annual Beaufort Water Festival Parade Grand Marshal
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos by PAUL NURNBERG
One of the many traditions of the Water Festival is the Grand Parade, where dozens of community members walk, ride, or perform along the downtown parade route and hundreds of community members line the streets to wave and cheer them on.
Within that great tradition is a decision point that changes year-to-year with the selection of the Grand Marshal to lead the parade. For the 68th Annual Beaufort Water Festival Parade, Commodore Josh Schott chose Derrick Washington to be the Grand Marshal.
A man who constantly gives back to the community, Derrick was pleasantly surprised by the appointment. And this year, instead of driving the Beaufort/Port Royal fire engine that is at the end of the parade lineup, Derrick will be smiling and waving from the very first car, leading the way.
Derrick was chosen for his many years of volunteerism with the Water Festival’s public safety group as well his other volunteer roles in the community where he was raised by Clarence and Inez Washington, local teachers for more than thirty years. He is a multi-generational native of Lady’s Island and is also well-known for his years of service as a volunteer firefighter. Derrick has the special skills and responsibility of driving the tower truck, and always does his best to support calls for service.
“Derrick Washington has been a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department for over 20 years. His dedication goes way beyond just being a volunteer firefighter,” says Tim Ogden, chief of the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department. “He routinely attends fire department conferences, ceremonies, and events. He takes the fire trucks to events such as Touch-a-Truck and KidFest. Most notably, Derrick drives the tower truck in all the parades, escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus in the annual Christmas Parade. His loyalty and dedication to the community is one of a kind, and the best part about it, he enjoys doing it just as much as we love seeing him spread the joy.”
And joy is exactly what Derrick spreads! He is always smiling and happy to be helpful. Recently honored by the Fire Department, Derrick was the recipient of the 2022 Joseph C. Robinson Career Achievement Award, a true testament to his dedication to the community as he fills his time away from his regular work.
For his full-time job, Derrick is an employee of the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, where he has worked to maintain infrastructure at the Savannah River plant for 27 years. When he is off shift, he is more than happy to give back to his community. He has a special place in his heart for the Beaufort Water Festival after being recruited by Donna Smith to volunteer more than a decade ago, and he plans to continue as long as possible.
“I love being part of the Water Festival family,” says Derrick. “It is a fun environment full of camaraderie that brings people together. I love seeing everyone and catching up; it is very meaningful to me and my wife, Sarah, who always volunteers alongside me.”
Derrick and Sarah especially love the music at Motown Monday, and they love volunteering every night of the ten-day festival as they celebrate the community. As Smokey Robinson stated, “One thing I can say about Motown acts is that we are a family.”
And that’s just what the volunteers of the Water Festival hold tight as their mantra – being a family.
“Derrick is a well-loved Water Festival volunteer,” says Josh Schott, 68th Commodore. “He was a natural choice to be Grand Marshal of the parade because he embodies the spirit of Festival, giving back to the community, and taking care of each other.”
So when Derrick leads the way for all the community to enjoy the Grand Parade, return his infectious smile and jolly spirit. After all, that’s what the Water Festival is all about – coming together as a community and enjoying the people and culture of Beaufort.
