Thousands show support for President Donald Trump in Intracoastal Waterway flotilla
Grand Strand residents turned out strong on Sunday to show support on the water for President Donald Trump.
Organizer and area resident Brian Peters estimates more than 1,000 boats took part in a Trump boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway.
The parade began around noon near The Boathouse Waterway Bar and Grill and continued to Barefoot Landing. It was reminiscent of similar flotillas that have taken place around the country, including in Florida and at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Peters said the Myrtle Beach Police Department told him it counted more than 1,000 boats in a line stretching more than 13 miles.
Boaters flew Trump flags and blared patriotic songs, and more supporters lined the parade route along the banks of the waterway at businesses and backyards of residences.
“It was shocking. It was really shocking because I did not realize the power of social media,” Peters said of the size of the parade. “I have not heard a single negative thing. I don’t think any boats bumped. I don’t think there were any fights. I don’t think anybody got upset. I don’t think there were any accidents. That’s what I’m hearing.”
Peters thanked first-responders, the Coast Guard, barge companies that agreed to not run barges in the waterway, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for their participation and assistance.
He initially scheduled the parade for June 14, which is Trump’s birthday and was also Flag Day. But the waterway was flooded and poor weather was forecast, so he rescheduled it for Sunday.
A boat parade on Lake Murray outside Columbia over the July 4 weekend drew more than 3,400 boats, according to its organizer.
This story was originally published July 27, 2020 at 1:02 PM.
