MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)-Saint Patrick’s Day is not until Tuesday but this weekend there are many ways to celebrate along the Grand Strand. That includes the annual celebration on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach and the party is now two days long for the first time.
The Oceanfront Merchants Association extended this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day festival to two days to bring in more money for event sales. Last year the Downtown Redevelopment Cooperation cut OMA’s funding by $90,000.
Organizers spent this week preparing for the event with the stage work starting Monday along with marking off barricades for crowd control.
Vendors will arrive Friday and three city blocks of entertainment, several live bands on stage throughout the 2 days, Food and Retail Vendors, an absolutely huge Irish Beer Garden, Petting Zoo with Camel and Pony Rides, Inflatable Bounce Houses, Carnival Rides and Games and on-stage entertainment for the kiddies, Sidewalk Sales at area businesses.
Organizers say the expansion gives people more opportunities to attend.
“It’s nice, some people work on Saturdays. Saturdays is a busy night and with us now having Sunday they can now come so we’re hitting people that can’t come on a Saturday night,” Event Planner Sherri Loomis said.
The event wraps up Sunday, March 15 and organizers say it will go on despite the forecast for rain. During the festival a portion of 8th and 9th Avenues and Mr. Joe White will be closed.
