Each year, the Beaufort Water Festival Commodore and a select committee choose about 20 enthusiastic, local teen-age girls to become Pirettes, who then represent the festival throughout the year. Serving as the Water festival ambassadors of goodwill, the Pirettes make appearances at several Lowcountry venues, beginning with the Beaufort Christmas Parade. During the festival itself-which this year is scheduled for July 11 through 20, 2008 - the Pirettes help out with Children's day, painting the faces of willing children and helping them with games and rides. They also help guests find seating during the Lowcountry Supper night, and generally assist people with directions and questions during the festival.

To be considered, a Pirette candidate must be a resident of Beaufort County and be a rising high school junior or senior at the time of the festival, she should be outgoing and possess a fair amount of knowledge of the area. As she will be representing a deeply held tradition in Beaufort, she should show leadership skills and be active in her school or community. The 2008 Beaufort Water Festival Commodore, Les Brediger, is pleased to present this year's Pirettes.