Pawleys Island
Town raises steaks, er, stakes, for July 4th parade decorations
To feed the creativity of participants in this year’s Pawleys Island Fourth of July Parade, the town has laid out a banquet of prizes for the best decorated floats, docks and beach houses.
Six area restaurants have donated meals and gift certificates for the winners.
Mayor Brian Henry has donated a shrimp boil from his business Get Carried Away and a two-night stay at his Sea View Inn.
The goal is to encourage more floats and better floats.
“The quality of floats should be better,” he told Town Council this month.
Council Member Rocky Holliday said anything to encourage people to do more than stick a flag on a golf cart would be welcome.
“It’s not in keeping with the way it’s been done, and it’s not very interesting,” he said.
Last year’s parade drew 47 entries, down from 61 in 2022.
Prizes are handed out for the top three floats, the most patriotic float, the best golf cart, the best house and the best dock.
Along with a trophy, the judges will hand out gift certificates from Cafe Piccolo, Chive Blossom and Tuscany Bistro; dinner for four from Rustic Table and lunch for four from Bistro 217; and dinner for six from Frank’s along with Henry’s prizes.
Registration for the parade is from noon to 4 p.m. through Wednesday at the Old Town Hall.
The $20 fee includes a T-shirt.
Participants must register in advance. There is no registration on July 4.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. from the South Causeway, heads south on Myrtle Avenue, doubles back to the north end and finishes in front of the Old Town Hall, where participants will learn the judges’ decisions.
Wave That Flag, a celebration that included a kickball tournament, music and a laser light show, was postponed this week due to the threat of thunderstorms Monday night. It will be rescheduled for later this summer.
The weather forecast is clear for July 4. Here’s what is going on to celebrate Independence Day.
• The North Litchfield children’s parade starts at 10 a.m. on Hanover Drive and makes a circuit through the neighborhood. The only rule is that no internal combustion engines are allowed for the floats.
• The Knights of Columbus host a patriotic celebration at 6 p.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. The event will feature a performance by the Pawleys Island Concert Band.
• The Murrells Inlet Boat Parade leaves Garden City Point at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Red, White and View.” The best spots for viewing are the Marshwalk, Belin Memorial United Methodist Church and Morse Park. But be patient, it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour for the parade to arrive.
• The Indigo Choral Society will perform on the lawn at the Kaminski House Museum in Georgetown at 7 p.m. Bring something to sit on.
• Georgetown’s waterfront firework display will begin at 9:30 p.m. The best places to watch are the Harborwalk or East Bay Park.
• Murrells Inlet’s fireworks begin around 10 p.m. The best place to watch is anywhere along Business 17.
• Murrells Inlet community will gather July 5 for a cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. All supplies will be provided to volunteers who should meet at Uncle Tito’s on Business 17.
