Mustang Week is back in Myrtle Beach after yet-to-be-named donor steps in to save event

Mustang Week is revving up for a 2023 return.

After organizers of the popular fall event feared this year’s version would end its 20-year run because after city officials declined to renew its contract with the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, a still-unknown benefactor stepped in to save it.

Mustang Week founder Brad Worley told The Sun News this week more information is expected soon, but declined to comment beyond that.

The gathering is slated to run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 10 at the Myrtle Beach Mall along N. Kings Highway.

“The original staff will be involved in making sure the event transitions to the new group, who wishes to keep the same feeling as years past and retain whatever staff is interested in continuing,” organizers said on the event’s Facebook page Sept. 5.

City spokesman Mark Kruea said the convention center wasn’t designed to accommodate large outdoor events, which made it hard to keep hosting Mustang Week’s heavy crowds.

“The event at the Convention Center was focused on the outside of the building – the parking lots – and that’s not where we have the resources, amenities or staffing. The Convention Center by nature, is designed for indoor events,” he said.

“The exhibit hall is capable of holding boat shows and RV shows inside, and does with regularity, but it’s not intended for an outside car show. We don’t have restrooms or catering or other facilities outdoors for a large, in-the-parking-lot event.”

More than 10,000 spectators usually attend the week-long event celebrating Ford’s most famous sports car.

News of Mustang Week’s return was a hit on the event’s Facebook page, with more than 3,000 likes and 700 comments. Still, some people said pushing it back from its traditional July window would make attendance difficult for families with school back in session.