Shagging, stomping and stamping on the Grand Strand

Article Thumbnail Image

Who says the winter time is the offseason on the Grand Strand? For three straight weekends in the dead of winter, the Myrtle Beach area will host a trio of unique and long-running events that promises something for everyone. Sure, the weather can be iffy in January and February, but these indoor events will keep you warm and active until spring rolls around.

While there’s plenty to do and see on the North Beach Plantation property, like a relaxing day at the Cinzia Spa or a hearty feast at 21 Main, you can also check out the pageantry of the 40th Annual Carolina Square and Round Dance Convention in Myrtle Beach, the 32nd Annual Shag Dancing Championship Preliminaries in North Myrtle Beach, or the 23rd Annual Myrtle Beach Stamp & Postcard Show for a fun way to shake off the winter time blues. Here's a look at all three upcoming events:

* Jan. 23-24: The 40th Annual South Carolina Square and Round Dance Convention comes to the Springmaid Beach Hotel & Convention Center, keeping alive the traditional American dances for the hundreds of enthusiasts who attend this event each year. Featuring professional callers and dancers in the square dance hoedowns and round dance circles, this event sees fully costumed participants showing off their best steps. Both Friday and Saturday night will be capped with a sock hop in which dancers can have some fun trying out some different steps on the dance floor. There will be special workshops and dance sessions held throughout the day time, including a parade of dance clubs represented at the convention and calling clinics and competitions. For more information, visit www.scsquaredance.com.

* Jan. 30-31: Kick on your dance shoes, grab your partner and get ready for a full weekend of shag dancing at the 32nd Annual Shag Dancing Championship Preliminaries in North Myrtle Beach. Held at the Spanish Galleon at the merger of Main Street and Ocean Drive, this event attracts the top shag dancers in the country returning to the roots of South Carolina's state dance. The shag was founded along these shores at surrounding night clubs as Fat Harold's and the O.D. Pavilion, and the after parties will spill over to these hot spots as shaggers slide their way across the saw-dust covered dance floors. Non-shaggers can watch in amazement as professional dancers show off their skills and compete for the right to return in March to vie for the national championship. For more information or to purchase advanced tickets to the event, visit www.shagnationals.com.

* Feb. 7-8: The 23rd Annual Myrtle Beach Stamp & Postcard Show will be held at the Clarion Hotel beside the Highway 501 Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. Featuring a large convention space displaying rare and unique collections, this show attracts some of the top dealers on the East Coast. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this year’s theme pays tribute to chocolate to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first chocolate factory in the United States. The event will feature a display of stamps made of chocolate scented paper and stamps from famous chocolate-producing nations such as Switzerland and Belgium. Thanks to the participation of local dealers, there will be an impressive collection of historic Myrtle Beach postcards that depict the changing times in both the city and postcard manufacturing over the years. Admission to the event is free. For more information about the stamps and postcards that will be on display, visit the Myrtle Beach Stamp Club’s web site at www.sites.google.com/site/myrtlebeachstampclub.

 

(Posted: 12/16/14)