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Although the Hilton Head community can seem very divided to an outsider, with numerous gated communities separating the island’s population, the truth is that all of them are very much a part of the greater Hilton Head community. They all share a love of the island’s natural beauty and the slower-paced southern lifestyle encouraged by the many beaches, tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants, and more. Every year there are many events that bring the Hilton Head community together, with residents and visitors alike invited to attend. Some of these events have taken place for many years, and others are newer additions.
The Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament is one the longest-running Hilton Head community events, now in its 29th year. It is a charity event in which individual or group sponsors play golf with a celebrity for three days on three different courses. Sponsors will play with a different celebrity each day. Event sponsors can be from Hilton Head or from out of town; either way, they can enjoy food and a number of evening events in addition to playing golf with a celebrity. The event benefits a number of children’s charities, including prominent ones such as the Child Abuse Prevention Association and the Children’s Relief fund.
A somewhat newer Hilton Head community event is the Councours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, now in its 8th year. It has proven to be an extremely popular event, and is actually four events in one. The Savannah/Hilton Head Speed Classic takes place on Hutchinson Island, across the river from downtown Savannah. It includes vintage racing and “hot lap rides” in which participants sit in the passenger seat while a trained race car driver drives a stockcar at full racing speeds. The Motoring Midway is essentially a noncompetitive showcase of cars and motorcycles from different eras, featuring other motoring exhibits as well. The Car Club Jamboree is a competitive show in which invited car clubs showcase their best cars. Finally, the actual Councours d’Elegance is a competitive showcase of vintage cars, considered by many to be one of the top vintage car shows in the United States.
The most famous Hilton Head community event is without a doubt the Verizon Heritage Classic, held annually at the Harbour Town Golf Links course on Sea Pines Plantation. It is the only PGA Tour event in the state of South Carolina. It attracts visitors and residents alike, and when the event coincides with spring break, Hilton Head Island High School’s students can often be seen working at the event.
These are only a few of the many annual Hilton Head community events. Others include the Native Islander Gullah Celebration, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Gullah people in the region; the recent Seafood Jazz & Brew event, which combines jazz with pairings of first-rate beer and seafood; and several marathon charity events. Despite the apparent division created by the island’s many gated communities, numerous events help bring together the entire Hilton Head community.
