ISLE OF PALMS, South Carolina — The Halloween spirit swept over the Isle of Palms Friday evening as families drove through the streets, many on golf carts decorated for the annual Halloween Parade.
The colorful celebration drew thousands to the island, with participants displaying imaginative decorations and costumes as part of the city’s long-standing tradition.
“It’s going to be our annual Halloween golf cart parade, which is pretty amazing because people bring their golf carts and decorate them, and there’s a contest involved. “It’s amazing to see what creative decorations people come up with for their golf carts,” said Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett.
Officials say golf cart use has increased across the Lowcountry since the outbreak, raising safety concerns, including teenage drivers taking carts on the road.
Police closed up sections of the bridge on Sullivan’s Island to give trick-or-treaters more room to walk securely.
According to Sullivan’s Island Police Department Deputy Chief Monty Anders, anyone operating a golf cart or low-speed vehicle must be a licensed driver and at least 16 years old.
“You can’t have teenagers 13, 14, or 15 operating motor vehicles for obvious reasons because they’re on the same roads where other licensed drivers are.”
Local neighbors say they’ve witnessed an improvement in golf cart and e-bike safety over the last year, particularly after new helmet requirements went into force.
“The e-bikes were a real problem; we’d see kids with no helmets, sometimes riding two on one bike or even pulling wagons behind them,” said Mount Pleasant resident Jennifer Hankey.
“Since the new law, that’s changed everything now you see all the children wearing helmets, which is amazing.”
Police around the islands say they want families to have a fun night while being safe.
“We want the youngsters to have fun. “We want to make sure we’re safe at the end of the day,” explained Chief Cornett.
“It’s not worth coming out if you’re going to do something irresponsible and end up hurting someone. Be prepared to have fun, follow the rules, and keep an eye out for all of the kids out here tonight.”
Residents should expect a strong law enforcement presence throughout the evening to ensure everyone’s safety.
