Revelers looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style and get in some beach time while they’re at it can get the best of both worlds on the Grand Strand this March, as North Myrtle Beach is set to stage its 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival along Main Street on Saturday, March 17.
The event, scheduled to be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is expected to attract approximately 30,000 party-goers and create a sea of green in downtown North Myrtle Beach. Attractions will include a 9 a.m. parade through downtown Myrtle Beach, live music being performed on three separate stages starting at 11 a.m., a children’s area featuring rides, games and other activities, and around 150 vendors selling, food, drinks, crafts, and other goods and services. A pair of Irish-themed contests will also add to the day’s fun.
PARADE
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to start at 9 a.m. and will run east along Main Street from Ye Olde Kings Highway to Hillside Drive before winding its way along 1st Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard to 2nd Avenue North. Participants can include marching bands, civic groups, pageant queens, businesses, individuals, families and more, and spectators lining the streets are sure to have a blast soaking in all the Irish-themed fun.
LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Three stages set up in the streets of North Myrtle Beach will play host to performances, presentations and contests during the daylong event. The entertainment schedule for the three stages includes:
Main Stage (Near Flynn’s Irish Tavern)
11 a.m.: Brendan O’Connor
11:45 a.m.: Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums
Noon: Brendan O’Connor
12:45 p.m.: Wake District Pipes & Drums
1 p.m.: Emish
2:15 p.m.: Leprechaun Contest
2:30 p.m.: Shepard’s Pie Eating Contest
2:45 p.m.: Emish
Community Stage (Oak Drive)
11:15 a.m.: Triple Toe Cloggers
11:45 a.m.: Parade Awards
12:15 p.m.: Conway Celtic Pipers
12:30 p.m.: Academy of Dance and Fine Arts
1 p.m.: Coastal Carolina Shields Pipe & Drums
1:15 p.m.: Tan & Sober Gentleman
Ocean Boulevard Stage
11:15 a.m.: Bantum Rooster
1:30 p.m.: Hip Pocket
CONTESTS
A Leprechaun Contest will see entrants don their most convincing leprechaun garb to be judged on appearance, originality, creativity, enthusiasm and energy. The grand-prize winner will claim the title of Festival Leprechaun, a $100 Walmart gift card, an event T-shirt, a souvenir of achievement, and a photo and short bio on the event website. Next, a Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest will pit hungry contestants against each other and a plate full of the traditional Irish meat pie. The first contestant to clean their plate (without using their hands) will claim bragging rights, a championship plaque, and a photo and short bio on the event website.
Learn more about the festival at the North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation website. And, for a great place to stay during your St. Patrick’s Day getaway on the Grand Strand, check out Long Bay Resort on the oceanfront on Myrtle Beach’s northern end. The convenient location puts guests within easy drives of the wide-ranging activities and attractions of downtown Myrtle Beach and the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in North Myrtle Beach, all with comfortable accommodations and a beautiful stretch of beach in the backyard. Book your stay at Long Bay Resort today!