MYRTLE BEACH, SC- St Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, but people have already started celebrating. The Oceanfront Merchant’s Association held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival on the boardwalk last weekend. They extended the event to last two days, instead of one.
According to Executive Director Peggy Iverson, Saturday’s rainy weather decreased the overall turnout by 80%.
“The rain kind of put a damper on things, no pun intended,” said Iverson.
Art Burger is located just a few doors down from the festival. The restaurant recently opened and its employees were excited to be apart of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
“We stocked up a little more, we ordered some stuff,” said Server Christian Raubertas.
While Saturday was disappointing, Raubertas said Sunday brought a crowd of customers.
“It was fun, it was active, everybody was having a great time.”
The additional day was such a success, Iverson said OMA plans to also extend Oktoberfest.
“It just makes sense to do a two day event and especially if we have any rain coming in or any challenges with the weather,” she said.
Iverson said the weekend’s ticket sales turned out to be just as expected, with 12,000-15,000 people showing up.
OMA has already begun preparations for Springfest and Hot Summer Nights Concert Series. Iverson told News 13 she hopes to add another festival in September called “Glory Days,” themed after 1950’s Myrtle Beach.
