By VICKI BROWN
Walterboro Festivelo XXIV 2021 is the 24th annual, four-day bicycling event in Walterboro and is scheduled to soon return to the city, with cycling dates on November 10-14.
Festivelo is recognized as one of the best bicycling festivals in the country. Founded by Charles Fox and the Fox Family, Festivelo is a bicycling touring event based in downtown Walterboro.
Bike enthusiasts will come to Colleton County from all over the United States to ride 400 miles over four days throughout the area. Their home base is the Colleton Museum and Farmer’s Market. During those four days, riders will enjoy planned festivities and food. According to event sponsors, the ride normally brings in 250-350 riders along with an additional 50-75 people who are non-riders and volunteers. They come from over 20 states and a few countries overseas.
Riders can choose rides in the Walterboro/Colleton County area: 20-30 miles, 55-65 miles, or 95-105-mile routes suited to ambition and skill level. The routes are fully supported with restrooms, food, and mechanics.
Festivities are planned for the afternoons and evenings, including themed dinners, drinks, activities and entertainment.
Different trophies will also be presented to some of the riders.
Over the past two years, Festivelo has been directly responsible for completely booking the Bed and Breakfast venues in Walterboro, filling all RV and Camping sites, and accounting for an estimated 750 hotel nights in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
A boost to the local economy, Festivelo participants stay in the hotels, eat in restaurants, and shop in several of the retail outlets which indicate that sales greatly increase during Festivelo.
