Conway Turns Into a Spooktacular Halloween Haven!
It’s that magical time of year again when Conway transforms into an absolute wonderland of ghouls, goblins, and everything spooky! Each October, this charming little city undergoes a whimsical rebranding, proudly declaring itself the “City of Halloween.” And this year? Well, let’s just say the decorations are more over-the-top than ever!
A Pirate’s Life for Me!
Kickstarting the festivities is “The Proclamation,” a ghostly pirate ship that’s already causing quite the buzz. This isn’t just any ol’ ship; it’s floating in the Haunted Harbor at the Conway Marina and is captained by none other than some “undead pirates.” Seriously, if you’ve ever dreamed of a ghostly seafaring adventure, this is it!
Mayor Barbara Blain, dressed in her best pirate getup, welcomed the ship with a traditional pirate christening ceremony. Cue the bottle smashing! “Arrrgh!” she declared while revealing the city’s latest Halloween attraction. It’s got it all, folks—a smoke machine, animatronic pirates, and an aesthetic that’ll send shivers down your spine! This ship is genuinely built to bring some fright, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it!
Decked Out to the Max!
But wait, there’s more—this year’s overall decorations are downright jaw-dropping! We’re talking elaborate displays that would impress even the grumpiest of ghosts. Imagine walking through downtown Conway and spotting a Frankenstein propped up next to glowing faux tesseracts. Plus, the iconic plastic pumpkins that started the whole Halloween craze are back, with around 2,400 of them this year, lighting up the trees along Main Street.
The transformation began in 2020 as a test run, but boy, has it snowballed into something spectacular! With displays featuring skeletons, spooky creatures, cobwebs, and so much more, it’s no wonder that Conway is becoming a premier Halloween destination!
Fun Events for Everyone!
Mark your calendars because the Halloween fun doesn’t stop with decorations! On October 1st, the festivities will kick off with a costume parade at 7 p.m., leading to a live music celebration at the Town Green. Talk about a way to jumpstart a month filled with excitement!
Throughout October, there’ll be no shortage of activities. Join in for scary movie nights, haunted tours, an amateur wrestling event dubbed “Scare in the Square,” and even a Halloween Hustle 10K/5K run! And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can hop on one of the spooky boat tours or enjoy some witchy wine tasting! There’s something for everyone!
The Heart of the Community
In addition to all the spectral fun, local businesses are getting in on the action, too. Hillary Howard, the executive director of Conway Downtown Alive, shared that the buzz has been lifting business sales impressively. October sales now even surpass those during December’s holidays! It’s a win-win for the entire community!
As you stroll through town, you’re bound to notice that the Halloween spirit is contagious. Families are already decking out their homes in festive décor, creating a colorful backdrop against the eerie setting downtown. With so much going on, it’s no wonder crowds are getting larger each year!
31 Days of Frights!
(If you asked me, I’d say it’s about time we celebrate Halloween for an entire month!) For the kiddos in Conway, this is a dream come true. It’s 31 days of thrills leading up to the grand finale on October 31st, where trick-or-treating will light up the night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Get ready for those sugar highs!
So, if you’re anywhere near Myrtle Beach, make sure to swing by Conway this October. Come for the sights, stay for the frights, and experience the most unforgettable Halloween celebration you can imagine. We can’t wait to see you there!
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.
