Tens of thousands of people packed Main St. in North Myrtle Beach Saturday for the 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, one of the largest events held each year along the Grand Strand.
The day began with the annual parade at 9 a.m., traveling from Ocean Blvd. at Second Ave. N to Ye Olde Kings Highway. Crowds lined the route as floats, performers and community groups made their way through the city.
Following the parade, visitors gathered along Main Street for the free St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which featured dozens of vendors, food, entertainment and live music across multiple stages.
City leaders expected another strong turnout this year after the festival drew about 41,000 attendees in 2025, according to Events Manager Angel Sylvester. Sylvester said more than half — about 52% — of visitors came from outside Horry County, bringing tourism dollars to local businesses…