News Summary
The annual Beach Blast in Aiken, South Carolina, attracted hundreds on May 9, 2025, featuring live music from the Swingin’ Medallions and a lively dance competition. Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with fun and local camaraderie, highlighting the importance of community traditions. The event showcased not only music but also a celebration of local culture, culminating in memorable performances and joyful experiences for families and friends. The success of the Beach Blast reinforces its status as a cherished tradition in Aiken.
Aiken’s Annual Beach Blast Delights Hundreds with Live Music, Dance Competitions, and a Fun Atmosphere
Aiken, South Carolina—The annual Beach Blast, hosted by Aiken Standard, drew hundreds of attendees to Newberry Street’s festival area on May 9, 2025. This lively community event showcased an evening filled with music, dance, and local camaraderie, featuring the popular band Swingin’ Medallions, known for their energetic performances dating back to the 1960s.
The Swingin’ Medallions set the stage with their signature upbeat tunes, captivating the audience with their nostalgic hits. During the performance, saxophonist Shawn McElrath impressed the crowd with his playing, particularly during the rendition of “Shotgun.” Couples and families took to the dance floor, including Francis and Cyndi Nance, who swayed to “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” while others, like Laura Breckenridge, danced alongside her 10-month-old grandson, Lenny Breckenridge, to a vibrant version of “Y.M.C.A.”
A key highlight of the event was a lively dance competition, culminating in victories for Vicky Van Frank from St. Matthews and Henry Dowd from Gaston, who took home top honors. The evening was complemented by pleasant weather that set a welcoming atmosphere for all those who attended.
The Swingin’ Medallions are on a roll, having created a fun theme for their recent performances, often highlighting local produce. This dynamic approach has resonated well with audiences, helping maintain the band’s connection to the community. Beverage vendor Cory Keich noted the impressive turnout for the event, which speaks to the popularity of the Beach Blast among local residents.
Among the attendees was Bob Brueggeman from Goldsboro, North Carolina, who reminisced about his past experiences with the Swingin’ Medallions back in the ’70s and ’80s after being invited by family to join the celebration. The band’s ability to attract such nostalgic sentiments underscores their enduring legacy in the region.
In addition to the successful music and dance segments, the Beach Blast reflects the broader tapestry of Aiken’s cultural scene, emphasizing community engagement and local pride. With its mix of entertainment, food, and companionship, the event serves as a reminder of the joys that local traditions can bring to residents and visitors alike.
The festival concluded with enthusiasm as the Swingin’ Medallions prepared for their next performance scheduled for the following day at a poultry festival in Batesburg-Leesville, further enhancing their presence in the local music scene.
The event was notably covered by Aiken Standard reporter Bill Bengtson, known for his focus on local cultural happenings and community narratives. His coverage helps to illuminate the importance of events like Beach Blast in fostering connections among residents and enriching the local culture.
Overall, the Aiken Beach Blast successfully provided attendees with an enjoyable evening filled with music, dance, and cherished memories, reinforcing its status as a beloved community event.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Widespread Showers & Storms
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- WXII: Storm Saturday, Sunny Sunday
- Google Search: Weather Forecast
- Post and Courier: Tornadoes & Thunderstorms
- Google Scholar: Weather Impact
- The State: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storms
- WJBF: Showers & Storms Return
- Google News: Storm Forecast
- WFXG: Showers and Storms Update
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
