The North Strand Optimist Club (NSOC) coordinates the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and is very involved in our community and “brings out the best in kids”. Consisting of adult volunteers that conduct positive service projects in our community, NSOC aims to provide a helping hand to our youth.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest parade on the Grand Strand with over 100 parade entries and a history that is unwavering. Masses of people line Main Street each year to get a glimpse of a magical parade that can only be experienced and not described. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 am, but parade goers rise earlier to patron Main Street establishments in search of warm delights to keep their appetites at bay during the parade.
By 8:30 am most individuals have manned their posts and are eagerly directing family and friends to their “watching station”. Beach chairs, blankets, and golf carts line Main Street awaiting the start of a two-hour phenomenon.
Grand Marshal: Each year someone that has shown great leadership and has given back to our community is nominated as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal. In 2010, NSOC decided that the winner of the “Friend of the Year” award would be named the grand marshal. The “Friend of the Year” award is given annually to a child between the ages of 1 and 19 years old. Nominees are chosen based on outstanding abilities such as leadership in the north strand area, involvement in church, community, or school, someone battling sickness, helping others in need, or overcoming unfortunate circumstances.
*Parade Route: The parade lines up in the Lowe’s parking lot off of 2nd Avenue North. The parade begins at the BiLo at the Beach shopping center on Main Street and head towards the ocean. At the intersection of Hillside and Main Street parade entries turn left onto Hillside Drive, then turn left onto 2nd Avenue North to conclude the parade route. The judging stage is located at the corner of Main Street and Hillside Drive.
*Parade route has changed from 2010.
Parade Parking: Since the parade is one (1) mile long there are several places to park and watch the festivities.
-Kroger Shopping Center (please do not park near the store entrance, they are open for business this day)
-BiLo at the Beach Shopping Center (please do not park near the store entrance, they are open for business this day)
-McLean Park; 93 Oak Dr. (behind Hoskin’s Restaurant)
-Corner of 2nd Avenue North and Ocean Blvd. in the grass lot (walk to Main Street to see the parade)
-Corner of 1st Avenue South and Ocean Blvd. in the dirt parking lot (beside the O.D. Arcade) HANDICAP PARKING AVAILABLE HERE!
Parade Application’s will be available after Labor Day.
For more parade information, please contact Parade Coordinator, Maria Strickland (843) 249-6041 or marias@abbank.com. Please leave your name, detailed information, and a daytime phone number.
Order of Line-up will be posted at a later date
