History

The St. Patrick's Day Festival started on March 11, 1988, when a group of far-sighted individuals thought that it was time to give the Canadians even MORE of a reason to come to North Myrtle Beach during the week long Can-Am Celebration.  The first Festival was spearheaded by Ben Scalia and other community members.  It was staged at North Myrtle Beach's Surfwood Shopping Center until 1992 when it was moved to Ocean Boulevard and Main Street due to its popularity and size.

1996 marked the first year a woman, Emily Stephens, was the Grand Marshal for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Her family owns the Blockade Runner Motel and she is quite active in the community and gardening.  Also, it was the first appearance of Rep. Mark Sanford, who pulled a red wagon with his two boys while Mrs. Sanford carried the baby, the youngest member of the parade. Mark was honored for his support of the Grand Strand by being our Grand Marshal in 2000.

1997 was the year Matt Sedota, manager of Easy 105.9 FM, was recognized for his continued contributions to the community.  His radio station at that time was directly off Main Street.  This was also the first time Time-Warner televised the parade to an ever growing audience. 

1998 Julia Hussey, another Main Street emporium, was Grand Marshal.  Her husband was one of NMB's first business owners and together they helped develop golf along the Grand Strand.  She particularly focused on women golfers. 

1999 saw Charlie Byers, as Grand Marshal.  He is a past mayor of Windy Hill and a real estate developer in the Windy Hills His contributions to the growing community were honored.

In 2001, the Festival committee honored one of our own, Leonard Franz, who was the parade chairperson almost since the festival began and was unable to participate in that capacity this year.  He was a business owner, and very active on the Accommodations Tax Committee for several years.

2002 saw Greg Hembree, the Horry County Solicitor, lead the parade.  He was very active in the North Myrtle Beach Legal Department prior to his election as solicitor.

Phil Tilghman became the 2003 Grand Marshal.  Phil served as mayor and on the council for over 21 years.   He is still influencing the development of not only the Grand Strand, but also the entire state.

2008 was the beginning of collaboration between the St. Patrick’s Day Committee and the City of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department. The St. Patrick’s Day Committee’s hard work throughout the years created an event that draws over 30,000 to the Grand Strand area and the City of North Myrtle Beach was honored to assume the responsibility.

Our 2009 Grand Marshalls for the 21st annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade are two very hard working dedicated citizens of our local community. We would like to honor Ms. Jackie McKuhen of North Myrtle Beach and Mrs. Ginnie Bradley of Little River for their hard work and dedication to the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and many other community functions.

Ms. Jackie McKuhen and her family moved from Clayton, NC to North Myrtle Beach when she was five years old and since has been a vital part of our community.  Jackie was part of the planning group for earlier St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festivals, when it was held in the old Surfwood Shopping Center.  Throughout her experience there was one especially memorable parade where the Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance.  Join us as we now show our appreciation to Jackie for all of her hard work and dedication throughout the years.

Mrs. Ginnie Bradley and her husband Roy Bradley moved to the Little River area 17 years ago from N.Y. and opened the Lakeshore Hotel, where they have lived and operated a successful business.  They continue to be very active in the community. Ginnie has been assisting Jackie with the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival for 10 years. Please join us at the parade as we show our appreciation for Ginnie’s job well done!

Over the last 21 years the parade and festival have attracted many bands, floats, marching units, community groups and service organizations.  Last year it provided food, entertainment and arts and crafts for over 25,000 attendees.  It has become one of the highlights of Can-Am week activities along the Grand Strand.  It is held the closest Saturday to March 17th as a fun event for locals and visitors alike.

Come Join Us for Our 22nd Annual Event!
March 13th, 2010

Need a place to stay? What's happening?
Check out two of our Grand Strand Chamber of Commerce web sites at
http://www.myrtlebeachinfo.com/ and http://www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com/

For additional festival information,
email us stpatnmb@nmb.us or call 843-280-5570.
Please leave your name, address, and an evening phone number for a reply.