We have all of the best options for you and your family. How about some wholesome Fourth of July fun that is a blast for the whole family, your way south to Murrells Inlet. The Murrells Inlet Boat Parade is a long-standing tradition for many families, with 2017 being the event’s 34th year. Locals know this is the place to be and a great way to start a Fourth of July on the Grand Strand. With a route that winds its way through Garden City and the MarshWalk, the parade will begin at 4 p.m. and will run until approximately 6 p.m. There is a lot to be seen, as there is a competition for the best-decorated boat, and folks around here take that pretty seriously. If you are bringing your boat and would like to participate, pre-registration is available for boats for $5 and is available through July 1 at Garden City Realty.
Of course, there are many events going on throughout the area for Independence Day. If you are wanting to start the day with an little competition, make your way to the Independence Day 5K and 8K at The Market Common. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the starting line located in Valor Park. If you aren’t a runner, you are welcome to come cheer the participants on!
Just a short drive from The Market Common is Garden City Beach. Here, you will find the Garden City Golf Cart Parade. This local community event will begin at 717 15th Avenue South in Surfside Beach. As of the date of this article, the time was still to be determined, but you can find details online by searching for the Garden City Golf Cart Parade.
Go a little farther south to find one of our favorite locations, Pawleys Island. This year, the coastal town is hosting its 51st Annual 4th of July Parade. You will want to put the address of 321 Myrtle Avenue in Pawleys Island into your navigation unit, and off you’ll go. If you have never been to Pawleys Island, you will want to make the trip. The beautiful town is a true piece of Grand Strand history, and its residents are very friendly. The parade begins at 10 a.m.
Make sure you are beachside anywhere from North Myrtle Beach to Charleston for the Salute from the Shore on July 4th! You will see F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base fly from North Myrtle Beach to the Holy City. Show your support by getting a huge flag, shooting some video and still photos of your group, and sending your stories to salute@salutefromtheshore.org. For time updates, please check the website at www.salutefromtheshore.org.
If you’ve gone as far south as Pawleys Island for the parade, you might as well go a little farther and head down to the port city of Georgetown. This is a hidden gem in our neck of the woods. Here, you will find the Kaminski House, a historic home where the Indigo Choral Society will be performing at 7 p.m. There will be a special salute to the armed forces, as well. This is a gorgeous area, and you will not find a friendlier town in the country than Georgetown. So if you can make the trip, we always suggest it.
Now, for what everyone waits for on the Fourth of July — the FIREWORKS! There are plenty of options in the area, and everyone has their favorite spot to watch the fireworks, so we’ve rounded up the times and listings for them all right here:
9:30 p.m. — Barefoot Landing — North Myrtle Beach shopping and entertainment complex on the Intracoastal Waterway
9:30 p.m. — Cherry Grove Pier — North Myrtle Beach on the ocean
9:30 p.m. — Surfside Beach Pier — Surfside Beach on the ocean
10 p.m. — Broadway at the Beach — Central Myrtle Beach shopping, dining and entertainment complex
10 p.m. — Second Avenue Pier — Myrtle Beach on the ocean
10 p.m. — Murrells Inlet MarshWalk — On the water in Murrells Inlet
Following the Myrtle Beach Pelicans ballgame – 21st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach
Wherever you choose to celebrate your Fourth of July on the Grand Strand while staying at The Strand Resort this year, you can be assured that you will have an exciting and memorable holiday. There is no better place to be to celebrate our country’s independence than here in Myrtle Beach!
