More than 130 conservation-minded people showed up at Folly Beach Saturday afternoon for a beach sweep fittingly sponsored by the wine brand Barefoot and the Charleston Surfrider chapter. Participants combed the beach near the fishing pier with biodegradable bags, picking up everything from band-aids and chip bags to broken glass and cigarette butts.
The popular and inexpensive Gallo brand has a marketing maelstrom going on with this concept, organizing 25 of these sweeps around the country to help communities become more barefoot friendly. And they know how to throw a party, too.
Beach sweep volunteers were treated to a stylish shindig at Pelican’s Watch beach park to properly reward their efforts. ICEBOX poured seven varieties of Barefoot wine and Hamby’s served irresistible passed appetizers like mini pesto mushroom panini, skewered grilled shrimp, melon balls with prosciutto, and, the piece de resistance: small Ball jars layered with banana pudding. Classic and classy.
What made the party truly superlative was an achingly beautiful performance by national recording artist Joshua Radin, who is a darling of television soundtracks and a crafter of romantic folky tunes. Even though Charleston has a plethora of great musicians and songwriters, flying in this guy and his talented bandmate from L.A. was a stellar choice. His hit, “I’d Rather Be With You,” had fans singing along, but he also delved into equally catchy new material from his latest recording, Underwater. Fans from Atlanta drove here for the Sweep just to catch this guy perform. Barefoot organizers handed out CD favors as Folly breezes swirled, gifting us with a sultry day of beach bliss, no shoes required.
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