Thousands of people came out for the annual “Blessing of the Inlet” Saturday in Murrells Inlet.
Belin United Methodist Church hosted the event on the church grounds.
Organizers say the event is a way to get people to give thanks for the iconic inlet, while raising money for charity and people in need. Dozens of vendors raised money for 25 non-profits.
Members of the church also raised money for the wounded warrior foundation.
Marine Sgt. Ryan Onufer was the banner presenter who led the St. James High School Drum Line in the procession leading up to the blessing.
The event also featured music performed by local christian artists and paintings and artwork on display and for sale.
In addition to the arts and music, people enjoyed food prepared by local restaurants along the marsh walk.
Pastor Mike Alexander, Jr. gave the blessing, which gave thanks for all that the inlet gives to the community.
Organizers say the service is about blessing everything and everyone in the inlet, “we have a beautiful place that we call home. We want to share that with as many people as possible and for people to enjoy it for many many years to come, but we want people to be thankful. This stuff not given to us for free, we’ve been blessed where we live, how it looks and what it is,” said master of ceremonies Jeff Benton.
The event happens rain or shine, every year, on the first Saturday in May.