Many business owners in Myrtle Beach are hoping for a busy and profitable St. Patrick’s Day weekend, however the organizers of many of the city’s events are actually looking for ways to find money.
The Atlas tap house in Myrtle Beach just barely made the cut last year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
“That was our third day open,” said Aaron Gifford.
Gifford is the owner of Atlas.
He says last year was ‘sink or swim’ for his team.
Now he says they are more prepared and are expecting a busy weekend.
“Holidays like this are right up our alley. We can’t wait for the locals and tourists to come and join us,” said Gifford.
“We give people reasons to want to come to Myrtle Beach,” said Peggy Iverson.
Iverson is the Executive Director of the Oceanfront Merchants Association; the group organizing the city’s St Patrick’s Day event.
While many businesses along the boulevard are expecting to turn a profit, OMA will be looking for money.
“The game plan is to get creative on fundraising efforts. We have to think of more ways we can raise our own money for our own events,” said Iverson.
This year the city of Myrtle Beach reduced funding by $90k to OMA.
Iverson says the group found out just this week, come the summer, OMA may not receive any funding from Myrtle Beach.
“It is a challenge and we just have to pull together and become stronger as a community and figure it out,” she said.
Iverson says OMA will need help from local businesses if they want to organize future events.
For the first time in six years the event will span the entire weekend.
It will include live music, food and drink, and carnival games.
For a full list of all the events: https://www.facebook.com/MBSTPatricksCelebration?fref=nf
