The significance of the Fourth of July is that our Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776. That Declaration told the world that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.” The importance of the 4th day of July is that it marks the birth of the United States of America.
Four days later, the first celebration of American Independence took place in Philadelphia while Continental Congress was still meeting. First, the Declaration of Independence was read. Then, the Liberty Bell rang out from the tower of the State House which is now called Independence Hall. The people cheered as the coat of arms of the king of England was taken down. There was a parade and cannons boomed as a new nation was born. That is what this day is meant to be about.
“John Adams, himself a signer of the Declaration, thought that Americans should henceforth celebrate a “great anniversary festival.” In a letter to his wife Abigail he wrote, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” (The Real Meaning of the Fourth of July, Newsmax.com)
And we do, commemorate the day of deliverance, the Fourth of July, with pomp and parade, celebrations, fireworks and various other festivities across the United States and on the Grand Strand. Below is a list of some of the celebratory events that will be taking place in honor of the birth of the United States along the Grand Strand:
35th Annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade—12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on July 4, 2018. The parade will begin at the point of Garden City Beach and make its way through the inlet, past the MarshWalk and south to Morse Park Landing. “Anchors aweigh, God bless the USA” is this year’s theme. The best locations to view the boat parade are along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, Belin United Methodist Church, and Morse Park Landing. Entry forms for boats can be obtained June 16 through July 1 at Garden City Realty, Booty’s Outdoors, Crazy Sister Marina, and Marlin Quay Marina or one hour before the start of the parade at the committee boat. The fee is $5.00 per boat.
Town of Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade—10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on July 4, 2018, 321 Myrtle Avenue, Pawleys Island—The Pawleys island Parade is a fun, family tradition on the 4th where locals and visitors alike parade down the Island in anything that becomes a makeshift float. It could be a boat, a car, or even a flatbed truck, but all must be decorated in true red, white and blue patriotic fashion. To enter a float in the parade, please stop by the Town Hall, 321 Myrtle Avenue, Pawleys Island to fill out an application. The cost to enter is $15 in advance, the day of the parade it is $20.
The 4th for July at the MarshWalk of Murrells Inlet with Fireworks—12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on July 4, 2018, 4025 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet—Make sure you get to the MarshWalk early to get a a good parking spot. Enjoy live music at the surrounding restaurants and a meal before the firework show begins. You can enjoy the boat parade as it passes by and the Grand Strand’s largest aerial fireworks show will begin at 10:00 p.m. Watch as the sky fills with colors of red, white, blue and beyond for an incredible and awe-inspiring 20-minute fireworks show.
Salute from the Shore 2018—12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on July 4, 2018, Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina—The Salute from the Shore is an opportunity for individuals, friends, and families to salute our armed forces while celebrating Independence Day on South Carolina beaches. There will be a flyover on the 4th of July that will stretch the entire length of South Carolina’s coast.
Annual Cupcake Eating Contest–3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on July 4, 2018, Croissants Bistro and Bakery, 3751 Robert M. Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach—Participants must be 18 years or older to participate in the cupcake eating marathon. The winner will be crowned “2018 Cupcake Champion of Myrtle Beach”. Contestants have five minutes to eat as many cupcakes as they can, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Prize packages include a trophy, medal, $500 cash and tickets to Myrtle Beach area attractions, restaurants, retail stores and more. Contestants can sign up online at http://croissants.net/2018-cupcake-contest/.
Surfside Beach, SC 4th of July Celebration—6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on July 4, 2018, Surfside Pier—Head out to the Surfside Beach Pier for music and fireworks. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with musical entertainment by “Garth & Friends”. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Concessions and 4th of July T-shirts will be available for sale.
July 4th Hot Summer Nights on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk— 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2018—There will be stilt walkers, balloon twisters and the KISS DJ will have everyone out line dancing, playing games and having a great time. The Myrtle Beach Fireworks 2018 show will begin at 10:00 p.m., launched from the 2nd Avenue Pier, but visible all along the Oceanfront Boardwalk. While there, visit the newly renovated Plyer Park complete with a new stage and the Goddess of the Sea Statue. Plyler Park is located between he Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and Moe Moons.
4th of July fireworks Extravaganza @ Broadway at the Beach!—10:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2018, 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach—Join them as they light up the sky over Lake Broadway.
4th of July fireworks Spectacular @ Barefoot Landing—10:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2018, 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach—Celebrate Independence Day with a bigger, better display of color, light and sound with the fireworks spectacular.
Cherry Grove Pier 4th of July fireworks—The fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. on July 4, 2018. If you are staying in or near the Cherry Grove neighborhood of North Myrtle Beach, you can watch the fireworks at the Cherry Grove Pier from the porch of your beach house or balcony of your hotel room or condo.
As you can see, there are many celebrations along the Grand Strand to make your Independence Day special. Please join in the festivities and have a safe, happy Myrtle Beach 4th of July 2018.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH FIREWORKS LAWS
If you would prefer to light your own fireworks this 4th of July, there are many places to purchase them in North Myrtle Beach. While it is not illegal to buy fireworks in North Myrtle Beach, it is illegal to set them off within city limits or on the beach. In fact, it is illegal to set off fireworks within the city limits of any municipality along the Grand Strand. Police will be patrolling the beaches this 4th of July holiday and will fine visitors found using fireworks. Exceptions will be made for small sparklers being used responsibly.
