Celebrating the Fourth on Grand Strand

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The Fourth of July is not only the day we celebrate American independence, it’s also the peak of the tourism season in Myrtle Beach. That means lots of people and lots of parties on tap for the Fourth.

If you’re visiting the Myrtle Beach area for the holiday and you’re looking for something fun to do to celebrate, you don’t have to look far. In fact, if you don’t want to brave the crowds and the traffic, you can simply stroll down to the beach and catch the fireworks shows held on the oceanfront all along the Strand. But for those looking to get and take part in the biggest bash of the summer, here are three great ways to do so:

Americans have a great and proud history of blowing things up to celebrate our freedom, and the skies over the Grand Strand are aglow with all the fireworks going off on the Fourth. Visitors can catch free pyrotechnics displays at the major shopping, dining and entertainment complexes on the Strand – Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. For the unique experience of watching fireworks reflecting off the water, visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Second Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach and the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and the Crazy Sisters Marina on the South Strand. All fireworks begin shortly after sunset.

Experience an old-fashioned block party at Market Common in Myrtle Beach. A golf cart parade, carnival games for kids and live music by the Eastbound Band will be held at Valor Park, followed by an outdoor movie featuring “Field of Dreams.” The event is from 4 to 9 p.m. More live music and festivities are scheduled for Plyer Park on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and at the Surfside Beach Pier.

Not all parades involve marching through the city streets. At a fishing village like Murrells Inlet, the self-titled “Seafood Capital of SC,” the floats actually float at the 31st Annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade. Fishing boats, large yachts and pontoon boats are decorated in red, white and blue and form a flotilla that cruises around the inlet. Spectators line the banks to see the fleet. A more traditional parade will be held on dry land at the 48th Annual Pawleys Island Fourth of July Parade, featuring marching bands and patriotic-themed floats come down Myrtle Avenue. 

(posted 6/27/14)