The 32nd Annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival will be on Saturday, March 14, on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The one-day rain or shine event attracts more than 40,000 people annually.
The North Strand Optimist Club organizes the parade and all entry fees go to help the youth of the community.
The festival offers over 150 food, arts and crafts, nonprofit and other vendors. There is a kids area with games and rides sponsored by Ledo Pizza. Two food areas sponsored by South Atlantic Bank offer delicious Irish treats and other festival favorites.
Come celebrate all things Irish!
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival offers three entertainment stages. The current entertainment lineup is as follows:
Flynn’s Irish Tavern Stage
11:00 AM – Brendan O’Connor
11:45 AM – Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums
12:00 PM – Brendan O’Connor
12:45 PM – The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts Dancers
1:30 PM – Tan and Sober Gentleman
2:15 PM – Leprechaun Contest
2:30 PM – Shepard’s Pie Eating Contest
2:45 – 4:00 PM – Tan and Sober Gentleman
Freedom Boat Club
Community Stage
(Oak Drive)
11:15 AM – Triple Toe Cloggers
11:40 AM – Ocean Drive Mini Chiefs Dance Club
11:50 AM – North Myrtle Beach School of Performing Arts
12:00 PM – Parade Awards
12:05 PM – Mark McKinney & Company
2:00 – 4:00 PM – Cornbread
Boulineau’ s Ocean Stage
(Near Duffy’s Seafood Shack)
11:00 AM – Retrograde
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM – The Tonez
Show your love of all things Irish by competing in festive competitions, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival Leprechaun and Junior Leprechaun contests. Entries are judged on originality, creativity, appearance, enthusiasm and energy.
The Shepherd’s Pie Eating Contest is always a favorite with festival participants. The first person to clear their plate without using their hands wins bragging rights and a stylish plaque.
For more festival information, visit www.StPatsNMB.com.