NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – Saint Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, but folks decked out in green a few days early, and braved the rain, to celebrate the Irish across the Grand Strand.

In North Myrtle Beach, people enjoyed a parade Saturday morning.  That was followed by green beer, Irish food, entertainment, and activities for children.

We go back, all our family goes back to Ireland, so I’m 100% Irish, so St. Patrick’s Day has always been my national holiday,” said Tim O’Brien visiting from Toledo, Ohio.

In Myrtle Beach, the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kicked off this morning near the old Pavilion site.  The two-day festival continues and wraps up Sunday with the Battle of the Bands.

This is the first time in six years the event has spanned two days.