St. Pat’s Parade was biggest, best ever

Who could have anticipated a better way to kick off the annual 31st St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival but with grand marshal Marlisa Small, Mayor Marilyn Hatley and Ed Piotrouski.

Grand marshal Marlisa Small is no less than an absolutely stunning leader of the parade in her green gown and a beautiful white animal friendly fur.

As she flashes her beautiful white smile while waving at the onlookers the warmth of her Southern charm shines through. She is being chauffeured in a sporty white convertible Camaro provided by Jud Kuhn Chevrolet.

Mayor Marilyn Hatley is looking beautiful. She is sporting a chic pair of bright green jeans with a classy green top to match.

As she passes by on the city of North Myrtle Beach float waving and tossing candy she was smiling that southern smile from ear to ear . One could see the pure enjoyment on her face.

The parade was nothing shy of spectacular with all the floats, cars and golf carts.

There was everything from the Shriners, the Knights of Columbus and many local businesses attending the procession of the parade.

The parade lasted about two hours.

The parade and festival were the largest even with twice as many vendors and crafters for your eating and shopping pleasures.

There was a number of performers taking stage on one of the three stages for your listening enjoyment.

Hundreds of families were lining both sides of the street. The children were sitting on the curbs catching the candy, beads and small items being tossed from the many floats cars and golf carts. The children were smiling and their families were capturing them in photos.

Immediately following the parade, hundreds of people were heading down Main Street to partake in many and plenty of festival activities awaiting them. While following along the crowd a wonderful explosion of the sounds of music and aroma of the different foods got your attention.

The band on stage near Fat Harold’s Beach Club was called Band On Fire. They were not only on fire they were as it is said ‘raising the roof’ and we were outside.

This St. Patrick’s Day festival drew a huge crowd.

If you saw one leprechaun you saw 100 more.

Also, pictures of smiling people in their costumes, sisters and mothers, husbands and wives, fathers and sons and the children. Many smiling children and the Irish dressed dogs were there.

The festival was quite the event. It was estimated that 50,000 people were expected to attend.

Strolling through the crowds and engaging in conversation there were people from everywhere. There were plenty of locals and visitors alike.

A man dressed as a shamrock approached me and asked, “Why don’t you iron a shamrock?” My reply was “I don’t know why?” His reply was, “Because you don’t want to press your luck.” With a boisterous Irish laugh off he went along his way.

The food and spirits were endless. And there was plenty of green beer too.

There was laughter and smiles as far as the eye could see.

From the beginning of the parade to the end of the festival there was not a dull moment.

A big thank you to all those who were involved in the planning and directing of the North Myrtle Beach 31st St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival.

A shout out of thanks to the vendors and crafters, musicians and especially the North Myrtle Beach law-enforcement who did a wonderful job.