Our neighbor, Babbie Guscio, who so rightly is on the Wall of Honor in the Town of Bluffton, has come up with yet another eccentric event. She is one of the most creative people I know. I believe she must wake up every morning thinking of unique events for our town. 

She started the Bluffton Village Festival, also known as Mayfest, many years ago. 

After our beloved Oscar Frazier passed away, she wanted to spearhead the Bluffton BBQ Festival. 

So, of course, when she called me recently, I knew her head was spinning on something new to do in the town. 

The inaugural Bluffton Buzzard Day will take place March 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Martin Family Park. This will be a fun day totally focused on our young residents and families. 

Our very own Jevon Daly, a well-known entertainer, took on the challenge of writing a “Buzzard Song,” which he will perform with some young Bluffton Buzzards. There will be a Pin the Feathers on the Buzzard game, a Bluffton Buzzard strut contest, and a Dress Like a Buzzard contest. All are invited to get creative and bring your own Bluffton Buzzard Picnic. 

If your interest hasn’t been piqued yet, then I suggest that you make your way to Historic Bluffton on this day and take a look. 

By now you must be wondering why buzzards? Here is a little background. In 1985 when George Heyward was Mayor of Bluffton, he proclaimed the buzzard to be the official town bird. He rode in the Christmas parade on top of a garbage truck in a buzzard costume, to declare this new honor. 

The story I have been told as to the reason for his proclamation was that there was a resident who lived near the Oyster Factory who sued George personally for working to keep the native business open, because, the resident said, the factory was a nuisance and drew buzzards. 

To make a point, George then made the buzzard the town bird and went as far as to get stationery printed to make it somewhat official. 

Mayor Heyward did so much more than serve as our mayor for eight years, as he was a teacher and has worked with hundreds of young people during his career. 

He loves Bluffton, and pluff mud is in his veins, so it is quite appropriate to have so many new residents learn a little about Bluffton from back when no one knew about the town. Google him and you will find interesting articles on his life and his family. 

Buzzard Day is just another reason we live and breathe our Bluffton state of mind. 

Lisa Sulka is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. lsulka@townofbluffton.com