St. Patrick’s Day stays rooted in tradition on the Grand Strand.
Celebrations will fill the Conway Farmers Market on Friday night, downtown North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach’s Valor Memorial Garden at The Market Common on Saturday, and the Oceanfront Merchants Association will overflow in free concerts on Saturday and Sunday on North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, near the former Pavilion Amusement Park site.
With St. Pat’s Day always falling three days before the start of spring, it also might spur feelings of fitness and getting back outside, especially after this long winter.
The fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day Kilt Run, always a charitable fundraiser, has grown, with newfound proportions for 2015, and starting and ending at a new home base, Dead Dog Saloon, on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. The races will step off on Saturday, with the 5K and 10K at 8:25 and 9 a.m., respectively.
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Aaron Marks, the Kilt Run director and host of “The Drive,” 7-9 a.m. Mondays-Fridays on CBS Sports Radio affiliate WSEA-FM 100.3 “Sports Radio – The Team,” voiced excitement at the race expansion, thanks to new turf this year. The Kilt Run, he said, had originated the past three years at The Tilted Kilt, a former eatery at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, and momentum to keep it going in additional and new directions moved the race south.
“It’s become a massive event,” Marks said, counting 400 runners who took part last year, when it comprised just a 5K standalone event around and inside Broadway at the Beach.
The Kilt Run takes big strides this year, with Dead Dog Saloon (651-0664 or www.deaddogsaloon.com) adding breakfast to its menu, and the race diverging into 5K and 10K courses — and the 15K “Double Shot” Challenge, for runners who want to do both races back to back — spanning scenic Murrells Inlet.
Marks, who said he ran the roads “multiple times” to map out the race routes, said with runners seeing trees with Spanish moss and “multiple views” of the inlet, “I think it’s so beautiful.”
He brought up the help from Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office personnel and about 50 volunteers for making this fourth Kilt Run possible.
Hopes are for 500 to 600 people to take part, said Marks, who counted about 300 registered as of March 2 — “right where we want to be” at that stage, and that sign-up continues 3-7 p.m. Friday and 7-8:15 a.m. Saturday at Dead Dog Saloon.
The races this year will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (877-832-6997 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org), a choice that gained wheels of its own. Marks said a registrant involved with this charity asked him if doing the race on a recumbent bicycle propelled by hand would pose a hindrance. Upon learning the participant would opt for the 10K, Marks thought about how part of that route follows a dirt path, so he modified the course for hand-cycle riders so they can roll on the 5K route twice, staying on pavement the whole time.
The rider was apprised that a “Hand Cycling” division was added, Marks said, and “that a portion of our proceeds will go to Wounded Warrior Project and for him to spread the word.”
Marks, also the program director for WSEA, and the Fox Sports Radio simulcast on WHSC-AM 1050 and FM 101.9, said coordinating the Kilt Run every year, he remains amazed at how many runners sport kilts and St. Patrick’s Day gear “for pride.”
He remarked on the art of the kilt fabrics, so much that they “look like they’re handmade” from the Emerald Isle.
Athletes on four legs
A Way to Play Dog Agility Club, an organization full of teams each made up of a canine competitor and handler, will share St. Patrick’s Day merriment this weekend for its annual “Dogs Go for Green” competition.
Spectators are welcome to watch for free as more than 200 races play out daily on a dog agility field where hurdles, weave poles, teeter-totters, A-frames and tunnels make up obstacle courses.
Stop by A Dog’s Way Inn, 761 Pendergrass Ave., Murrells Inlet, behind T-Bones Steak House, west of U.S. 17: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Sue Tanner, president for A Way to Play, said the club has competitions every January, March and November, with the next one locally Nov. 6-8.
She said this springtime event “always ends up being so close to St. Patrick’s Day.”
“Usually everybody gets into the spirit of it,” said Tanner, who has enjoyed seeing judges in “green fright wigs.”
She also appreciates seeing how far teams travel for competitions, from Canada, as well as more regionally, from such states as Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
Any pair achieving qualifying scores this weekend will earn another reminder of the hue that’s most hip for the occasion falling on Tuesday this year: green ribbons.
‘Gathering of the Green’
What | Annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration
By | Conway Downtown Alive
When | 5-8 p.m. Friday
Where | Conway Farmers Market, 217 Laurel St., Conway.
How much | Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase.
Includes | Music by Sound Effect, 5:30-8 p.m., and a pickle-eating contest and games such as cabbage bowling and Irish musical chairs.
Also | Rivertown Music & Craft Beer Festival, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 2, downtown; free.
Information | 248-6260 or www.conwayalive.com
‘Dogs Go for Green’ competition
By | A Way to Play Dog Agility Club
With | More than 200 races daily, on obstacle courses filled with hurdles, weave poles, teeter-totters, A-frames and tunnels, on a dog agility field sanctioned by Canine Performance Events Inc., with green ribbons awarded to all teams achieving qualifying scores.
When | 5-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Where | A Dog’s Way Inn, 761 Pendergrass Ave., Murrells Inlet, behind T-Bones Steak House, west of U.S. 17.
How much | Free to watch
Information | 357-4545 or www.awaytoplaydogagilityclub.com
Fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day Kilt Run
Benefiting | Wounded Warrior Project, 877-832-6997 (TEAM-WWP) or www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
When | Saturday
Where | Dead Dog Saloon, 4079 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, (651-0664 or www.deaddogsaloon.com), on Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
What and when | 5K at 8:25 a.m., 10K at 9 a.m.
Awards | Given for top three males and females each: overall, masters and in each age group for every 10 years.
Also |
• 15K “Double Shot” Challenge, for anyone game to run the 5K and 10K races back to back, for which each runner receives a special finisher’s medal
• Post-race parties | 9 a.m. for 5K runners, and 10 a.m. for 10K and “Double Shot” participants – each runner receives breakfast buffet and one drink ticket. (Additional buffet tickets, for others in attendance, cost $10 at race registration.)
• Bonus prizes for runners dressed in best kilt and in the most St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
How much | $35 for 5K or 10K, and $60 Double Shot
Pre-registration expos | 3-7 p.m. Friday and 7-8:15 a.m. Saturday at Dead Dog Saloon
Online registration | Ends 5 p.m. Thursday at www.grandstrandrunner.com/event.aspx?id=3024
Information | 357-8647, www.teammyrtlebeach.com/upload/4thANNUALKiltRunApplication.pdf, or email Aaron.Marks@cumulus.com
27th annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
When | Saturday, with parade at 9 a.m. and festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
With | Tom Barstow, retired North Myrtle Beach fire chief, as grand marshal.
Where | On North Myrtle Beach’s Main Street
Entertainment | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on three stages:
• Community Stage, at Oak Drive: Myrtle Beach Regional Pipe and Drum Band at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Triple Toe Cloggers 11:15, North Myrtle Beach School of Performing Arts 11:45, parade awards 12:30, New York Shields Police Pipes & Drums 12:45, Academy of Dance and Fine Arts 1 p.m., Folk ’em 1:30, and Riverside Elementary School Singers 3:30.
• Main Stage, at Flynn’s Irish Tavern, 421 Main St.: Band on the Rum 11 a.m. and noon, New York Shields Police Pipes & Drums 11:45, Wake & District Public Safety Pipes and Drums (from Raleigh) 12:45 p.m., Tan and Sober Gentleman 1 and 2:45 p.m., leprechaun contest 2:15, and shepherd’s pie-eating contest 2:30.
• Green Stage, at Duffy Street Seafood Shack, 202 Main St.: Retrograde 11 a.m., and PaperWork 1:45 p.m.
How much | Free admission
Handicap parking | In open grass lot at 601 Main St., between Barefoot Church and BB&T
Information | 280-5584 or parks.nmb.us/Page.aspx?id=14
Sixth annual Irish Fest
When | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Where | Myrtle Beach’s Valor Memorial Garden, on Farrow Parkway at The Market Common
How much | Free admission
Information | 712-2618 or www.myrtlebeachbeerfest.com/irish-fest.html, and 839-3500 or www.marketcommonmb.com
Sixth annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
By | Oceanfront Merchants Association
Benefiting | Horry County Special Olympics
When | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday
Where | North Ocean Boulevard, between Mr. Joe White Avenue and Eighth Avenue North, in and near the former Pavilion Amusement Park site
Concerts |
• Saturday – In addition to Myrtle Beach Regional Pipe and Drum Band at various intervals: Dino Capone’s School of Rock 12:45-1:30 p.m., The Reggie Sullivan Band 2-3, Paul Grimshaw Band, 3:30-4:30, A Nickel Bag of Funk 5-6, The Craig Sorrells Project 6:30-7:30, and The Delta Saints 8-10.
• Sunday – “Battle of the Bands,” noon-9 p.m.
How much | Free
Activities include (fees might apply) | Irish Beer Garden, antique car show, petting zoo, camel and pony rides, inflatable bounce houses and carnival rides.
VIP passes | $55 for one day, or $85 or $125 two days – details at squareup.com/market/mb-boardwalks-st-patricks-day-celebration-2015
Information | 732-0050 or www.myrtlebeachdowntown.com
Corned-beef-and-cabbage meal
When | Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Where | Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10804, 111 S.C. 57 N., Little River
Information | Reservations at 399-0877
‘St. Pat’s Bonfire’
When | Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
Where | La Belle Amie Vineyard, 1120 St. Joseph Road, Little River, just west of North Myrtle Beach Middle School
With | Music 12:30-4:30 p.m. by Stringwood Trio, and guided tour 2:30 p.m., weather permitting
How much | $3, or free with donation of two canned/dry-good items for food banks.
Some other festivals | With respective admission (each with $3 food donation discount available):
• March 21 – Spring Swing/Big Band Fest, for $10.
• April 4 – Blues & Jazz Fest. $8.
• April 18 – April Music Fest. $8.
Also | “Wine Wednesdays,” weekly, weather permitting, with local musicians 12:30-4:30 p.m. Free.
Information | 399-9463 or labelleamie.com
St. Patrick’s Day-themed dance
By | USA Dance Grand Strand Chapter 6024, this time with DJ Sandra Lucas-Hyde
When | 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Where | Myrtle Beach Base Recreation Center, 800 Gabreski Lane, near The Market Common
How much | $7 members, otherwise $10
Also | Everyone’s asked to bring dish for community table.
Other dances | Second Saturday monthly: March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12
Information | 570-881-0244, www.usadancegrandstrand.org, or email rosalie182@att.net
Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance
By | Knights of Columbus Council 7122
When | 7-11 p.m. Saturday
Where | Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church hall, 1100 Eighth Ave N., North Myrtle Beach
How much | $25 individual or $45 couple
Also | Entertainment by Andy Ray Band
Information | 249-2356
‘Laughing Leprechauns’
What | Family friendly show
By | Carolina Improv Company
When | 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where | Uptown Theater, by Bass Pro Shops in Myrtle Beach Mall, at U.S. 17 and S.C. 22, near Briarcliffe Acres.
How much | $14 ages 12 and older, and $12 ages 4-11
Also | Each $12.75 advance online or $14 at door, unless noted otherwise:
• “Whose Night Out Is It Anyway?” adult show, 7:30 p.m. Fridays in March
• “Whose Beach Is It Anyway,” family friendly show, March 21 and 28, for $14 ages 12 and older, and $12 ages 4-11
• “Flys Wide Open,” long-form improv, for adults, March 25.
Information | 272-4242 or www.carolinaimprov.com
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
When | 1-4 p.m. Tuesday
Where | Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10420, 4359 U.S. 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet
How much | Corned beef and cabbage, served with potatoes, carrots and soda bread, for $10; shepherd’s pie, $8.50
Information | 651-6900
Belated St. Patrick’s Day-themed dance
By | Grand Strand Beach Social Dancers
With | Music by Harlequin
When | 7-10 p.m. March 21
Where | Grand Strand Senior Center, 1268 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach.
How much | $7; reservations available for tables of eight
Also | Dance in “Easter Parade” theme, 7-10 p.m. April 18, with DJ Ed Brown, for $7
Information | 903-3765
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