COASTAL OBSERVER

If you wear a youth-sized T-shirt, you’re in luck.

If not, you’re out of luck. 

Record sales of Pawleys Island Fourth of July Parade shirts have left the shelves empty at the Old Town Hall the day before the parade.

The town has sold over $54,000 in T-shirts this year, said Corey Higdon, the town clerk. That’s over 2,700 shirts at $20 each.

“We’re trying to keep the T-shirt supplies well stocked,” said Dan Newquist, the town administrator.

Which proved difficult, as the toddler size quickly sold out. Sizes large, extra-large, and double extra-large were the next to go.

A new shipment came in Tuesday, a day earlier than expected. Those also sold out.

More were ordered, but they won’t arrive for the holiday.

Katherine Woodham, a volunteer, has helped sell T-shirts for three years.

“People will come in and say, ‘I have T-shirts from every year for the last 20 plus years,’” Woodham said.

The town has no municipal property tax, so the T-shirt sales help fund its annual events. It also prohibits commercial activity, but makes an exception for town-sponsored sales at the Old Town Hall.

“It’s not unusual for somebody to buy 10 to 15 shirts for their whole family who will be here on the Fourth,” Woodham said.

The shirt designs have been done by different people over the years. Mayor Brian Henry worked with the T-shirt vendor this year to create the fireworks design.

The shirt colors rotate each year from red, white and blue. This year they are blue. Next year they will be red.

“It’s a long-standing tradition for the Fourth of July,” Newquist said.

T-shirts are also a fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop 396, which has the franchise on the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade shirts.

Lee Hewitt, a founder of the parade, which 41 years ago was an Eagle Scout. 

Todd Mullins, charter organization representative for Cub Scouts Pack 396 and Boy Scout Troop 396, has been helping sell boat parade shirts for 20 years.

“A lot of people buy them because they are supporting the Scouts,” he said. 

There are about 60 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts who  spend six weeks out in the community selling shirts for $10. 

Mullins said they are almost out of large and extra-large shirts with about 150  shirts left out of 2,700 that were ordered.

Proceeds from the shirt sales help the Murrells Inlet Boy Scouts fund the troop for a year. The sales typically generate $15,000 to $16,000.