Surfside Beach Celebrates Best of the Beach Balls Meatball Contest
This past Saturday in Surfside Beach, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of meatballs, and excitement was buzzing throughout the community at the sixth annual “Best of the Beach Balls Meatball Contest.” This event isn’t just about delicious food—it’s about uniting the community and supporting a fantastic cause.
Supporting Local Families
The proceeds from the event go to the Champion Autism Network, a local nonprofit founded by Becky Large in 2012 to raise awareness and foster understanding of autism. The mission is close to the hearts of many attendees, including Maria Cankurtaran, a dedicated volunteer with the organization. She shared, “Autism is around and here, they really make it a point to invite the community and see what that looks like.”
Did you know? Back in January 2016, Surfside Beach proudly earned the title of the first autism-friendly travel destination in the nation, with Myrtle Beach and Horry County following right behind in 2018. How wonderful is that?
Fun for Everyone!
The meatball contest is just one of the many highlights of this lovely Saturday event. The day also included a Halloween Rod Run Car Show showcasing some slick rides and bouncy houses for the kids. What a family-friendly atmosphere! It truly felt like the entire community came out to celebrate together, which is what Surfside does best.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Surfside Beach Mayor Robert Krouse had a great time participating as one of the judges for the meatball contest. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a great charity, it’s a difficult condition and we all just need to be aware and help out.” His commitment mirrors the shared feelings of support exhibited by everyone present—support for a cause that affects many families in the area.
And let’s not forget about the friendly competition! Contestants were eager to impress not only the judges but also the public with their best meatball creations. Prizes included both a judge’s choice award, determined by a panel of experts, as well as a people’s choice award, where attendees could cast their votes for their favorite meatballs. It packed a punch of fun and excitement throughout the day!
Coming Together
Cankurtaran shared the importance of community backing: “It means a lot because sometimes even your own family doesn’t understand it, but these are strangers that are willing to come alongside you and support you so you’re not in it alone.” How beautiful is that? It showcased a kindness that extends beyond individual families to the entire Surfside community, which is known for its welcoming personality.
Wrapping Up
With fun activities for all and a shared goal of raising awareness and support for those impacted by autism, the sixth annual meatball contest proved to be another successful and heartwarming event in Surfside Beach. As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, this community spirit is just the warm hug we all need!
So, whether you’re a meatball lover, a friend of a family dealing with autism, or just someone who enjoys good old-fashioned neighborhood fun, this event left a mark on many hearts—and surely on many taste buds too!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
