News Summary
Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a week-long event starting on July 4. Originally opened in 1995, this family-friendly entertainment destination has become a vital part of the local culture and economy. The anniversary celebrations will include various activities, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, veterans appreciation day, and a fireworks display. Mayor Brenda Bethune reflects on the site’s transformation from a forest to a bustling entertainment complex that continues to draw visitors and locals alike.
Myrtle Beach Prepares for Broadway at the Beach’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations
Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025 with an exciting week-long event starting on July 4. Originally opening its doors on July 4, 1995, the venue was designed to be a safe and family-friendly entertainment destination for both locals and tourists, and has since become a cornerstone of the area’s recreational scene.
At the time of its launch, Broadway at the Beach featured 30 shops and one restaurant, making it one of the first multi-county business park-style entertainment complexes in the Lowcountry. The Burroughs and Chapin Company hosted the grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Egerton Burroughs serving as the chairman of the board during the establishment’s inception.
Activities and Events Planned for the Anniversary
The anniversary celebration will include a variety of activities such as a ribbon-cutting ceremony, veterans appreciation day, giveaways, and a ’90s music celebration. A patriotic dress day will also take place, with guests invited to enjoy complimentary cookies during the festivities. The week will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display on July 4, marking a significant milestone in the venue’s history.
Broadway at the Beach’s Historical Significance
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune recalls the original site of Broadway at the Beach as a forest where local children once played. As construction progressed, the potential for economic growth became evident, paving the way for the attraction’s development. Mayor Bethune frequently visits Broadway at the Beach with her grandsons, highlighting attractions such as the escape room and zip-lining activities.
The venue comprises several distinct districts filled with attractions, activities, restaurants, and amusement park rides surrounding a picturesque 23-acre lake. Notable landmarks include the King Kong statue at the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Wonderworks building, which is famously designed to appear upside down. In its early years, the Hard Rock Cafe pyramid and the Palace Theatre were key attractions, with the latter being referred to as the “Jewel Theater of the South.” The theatre hosted various performances by big-name artists until its closure in 2016.
The Impact of Closures and Renovations
The closure of the Palace Theatre represented a significant loss for Myrtle Beach, as it had the capacity to accommodate large Broadway touring shows. Following Hurricane Matthew, the theatre was deemed unsalvageable due to mold damage, highlighting the challenges Broadway at the Beach has faced over the years. The venue continues to evolve, with ongoing renovations aimed at enhancing its aesthetic appeal and overall visitor experience.
Legacy of Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach also retains attractions from the old Pavilion, most notably a cherished carousel known as the “menagerie,” which connects the site to the area’s rich entertainment history. This blend of nostalgia and modern entertainment has helped establish Broadway at the Beach as a cherished destination for visitors and locals alike.
As the 30th anniversary approaches, Broadway at the Beach looks forward to a celebratory event that promises to engage community members and tourists, showcasing the venue’s enduring legacy as a premier entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: Broadway at the Beach’s History
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach History Trolley Tours
- WMBF News: North Myrtle Beach Honors Fallen Officer
- ABC News 4: Corvettes at the Beach Event
- Grand Strand Magazine: Corvette Club’s Anniversary
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach history
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach events
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.
