Daufuskie Island, South Carolina http://www.daufuskiesouthcarolina.com/

By BRIAN HEFFERNAN — bheffernan@islandpacket.com The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing was buffeted by windy weather and didn't sell out this year, but Hilton Head Island's annual PGA Tour event still managed to boost business, according to several restaurant and resort managers. The weekend capped a three-week stretch of high occupancy at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, according to the resort's sales director, Teresa Manzolillo. Previous weeks brought in guests for Easter and college and high school spring breaks, she said. "Our hotel was sold out for 10 days straight, and then we have a little break, then Heritage came up," Manzolillo said. The resort's weekend occupancy spiked this year -- rooms were 98 percent full on Friday and sold out Saturday. They sold at an average rate of $187 per room, according to Manzolillo. That's better than Heritage weekend last year, although 2012 had better weekday occupancy, when Easter fell the

Friday, April 26, 2013 8:00 am - horses and equip load onto barge at Broad Creek Marina 10:00 am - horses and equip arrive to Freeport Landing 1:15-2:45: Daufuskie Elementary School field trip to Melrose Equestrian Center for Marsh Tacky Meet-n-Greet and Hands-on-History Lesson 5:30 - 7:30pm: Marsh Tacky Homecoming Fundraiser and Silent Auction hosted by Melrose on the Beach at the Sportsman’s Lodge to benefit CMTA Saturday, April 27, 2013 8:00am: Land transportation shuttles begin from Melrose Landing 8:00 - 11:00am: General Public Marsh Tacky Meet-n-Greet and Breakfast Buffet at the Sportsman’s Lodge 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM: Calibogue Cruises passenger ferries leave Broad Creek Marina, Hilton Head. 10 AM: Shuttles begin running from Freeport Marina to race site. 1:00pm: Marsh Tacky Parade from Sea Grass Stables at Melrose on the Beach to race site 2:00pm: Races begin 2:45-3:15pm: Races intermission and Tacky Hat Contest 4:00pm: Races end, winning announcements

From the Daufuskie Island Elementary School: Oyster Roast and BBQ at Jolly Shores Sunday, April 28th / 3:30-7:30 All donations benefiting Daufuskie Island Elementary School Roasted Oysters, Pulled Pork, Hotdogs & Hamburgers Live music by Bottles and Cans Sponsored by Dolphin Management ************************** Farmers’ Market-Grand Opening! Saturday, May 25th (Memorial Day weekend) 11:00-1:00 at the County Dock *************************** From Melrose on the Beach: After major construction, the Melrose on the Beach Club Pool will be open this weekend, April 20-21st from 11-5. If you have any questions please contact Susan Jones; sjones@melroseonthebeach.con or 341-2922 The official deadline for Marsh Tacky Beach Race vendor and sponsorship opportunities passed on April 15th. Silent auction tickets, VIP tickets and party tents are still available. To make your reservation, please call 341-2922 or click www.marshtackybeachracedaufuskie.com. See you at the races! ***

By Matt Bova — sports@islandpacket.com Congratulations Matt! Hilton Head Island resident Matt Bova is playing in his first PGA Tour event this week, as the Haig Point Club assistant professional earned an exemption into the field by winning the Carolinas PGA's 18-hole qualifier at Berkeley Hall last month. The 26-year-old shares his experiences this week in a daily diary, as told to reporter Chris Cox. A lot of members are talking about coming over. They're calling them the Bovanators. I wouldn't be surprised if there's 50, maybe even more. They're making the big head signs, just my head. They're having a bunch of those, I guess. They got a bunch of those printed up and they're carrying those around. That's kind of cool. That's probably not normal for a normal PGA Tour event, a guy like myself not as well known as the other guys to have the biggest following. All the family is starting to get in town, so I actually have my mind still on a l

Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island set for April 27 The 5th annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island is set for Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27. The event is free, but round trip ferry tickets cost $50 ($30 for kids). 843-342-8687. Here are details from an e-mailed release: The 5th Annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races on Daufuskie Island will offer 1,000 anticipated participants an exciting weekend full of unique events that are designed to showcase the endangered Marsh Tacky horse plus Daufuskie Island’s many unique amenities, local businesses and organizations.The races developed originally in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for the breed and it’s current status, history, heritage, and importance to the Lowcountry. Abandoned by the Spanish in the 1500‘s and surviving on local barrier islands, the Tacky is prized for being extremely surefooted, hardy, versatile and smart. Designated the South Carolina State Heritage Horse in 2010 for its contributions

From Melrose on the Beach: The Marsh Tacky Beach Races are less than 30 days away! Your support is needed for the Marsh Tacky Homecoming Silent Auction and Fundraiser on Friday, April 26th from 5:30 - 7:30PM inside the newly reappointed Sportsman's Lodge at Melrose Equestrian Center. For $25/person, join us to ring-in the beginning of this historical weekend that will mark the Homecoming of the prized and endangered Marsh Tacky Horse back to Daufuskie Island. Enjoy an exclusive meet-n-greet the race horses and a 15-minute slideshow presentation by the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association followed by bidding on a fabulous array of local products and services. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar. All ticket and silent auction sales benefit the non-profit Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. To purchase tickets or donate silent auction items please call 843-341-2922 or click www.marshtackyhomecoming.eventbrite.com. We still need silent auction item donations! Items donated with a fair ma