News Summary
The Myrtle Beach area is set to hold vibrant Memorial Day celebrations from May 24-27, featuring parades, veteran marches, and solemn ceremonies to honor military service members. The Military Appreciation Days Parade will kick off the festivities, with events like a public picnic, traffic management plans, and the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival enhancing the weekend’s activities. Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate while adhering to local laws and safety measures as they gather to remember and celebrate.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The Myrtle Beach area is preparing for a series of vibrant Memorial Day festivities from May 24-27, 2023, honoring military service members who lost their lives in defense of the United States. Celebrations across Horry County will feature a variety of events, including parades, veteran marches, and solemn ceremonies, ensuring that community members can participate in both festive and reflective activities over the holiday weekend.
The annual Military Appreciation Days Parade is set to commence at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, along Farrow Parkway in the Market Common. This year, the parade will be led by grand marshal Col. Thomas “Buddy” Styers, a decorated Vietnam-era veteran and the executive director of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority. The emcee for the event will be Ed Piotrowski, with his father, retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Piotrowski, serving as the honorary grand marshal.
Immediately following the parade, attendees can enjoy a public picnic at Grand Park, featuring live music from The 100 Grand Band and complimentary food. These activities aim to foster community unity and provide a festive atmosphere for celebration and remembrance.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Myrtle Beach is also preparing for a significant increase in traffic. According to Police Chief Amy Prock, public safety measures will be in effect to manage this surge effectively. City Manager Fox Simons has enacted an executive order banning golf carts on Ocean Boulevard from May 23-26, aiming to reduce congestion and improve safety during peak times. In addition, the implementation of the Summer Emergency Vehicle Access Plan will lead to altered traffic patterns and restricted lanes along key thoroughfares, with barricades set to be installed on Ocean Boulevard.
Residents and visitors alike can expect a heightened presence of law enforcement officers in the area as they work to ensure the safety of all participants. In conjunction with the Memorial Day events, the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, also known as Black Bike Week, will occur in Atlantic Beach over the weekend. This event, which draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, celebrates a historical site that served as a haven for Black beachgoers during segregation.
Vendors along Atlantic Street will provide food and memorabilia, further enhancing the ambiance of the largest Black motorcycle rally in the country. To ensure a safe experience for everyone, motorcyclists are reminded to comply with local laws, especially regarding noise ordinances and safety measures.
Planned events for the weekend include a Blessing of the Bikes on May 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Spring Church, which offers participants an opportunity to come together in a spirit of community and goodwill. Additionally, on May 26 at 11 a.m., the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, featuring a performance by Festive Brass, contributing to the day’s solemn tribute.
Another notable event is the Jack Platt Veterans’ March, which will start at 9 a.m. on May 26, moving from 16th Avenue North to Plyler Park. Various Memorial Day observances are also scheduled throughout Conway, Surfside, and Loris, focusing on ceremonies and parades to honor the sacrifices of military veterans.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and be considerate given the expected influx of visitors, which can increase the area’s population from approximately 20,000 to over 100,000 during this time. It is important to note that violations of local noise ordinances may result in fines of up to $1,000, possible arrests, and even misdemeanors that could carry jail time. Furthermore, while the weather forecast indicates sunny conditions with low humidity and high temperatures ranging from 80 to 82 degrees, rain is anticipated on Monday, adding another layer for organizers and attendees to consider during the festivities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Inn Fire Triggers Urgent Evacuations and Highway Closures Near Mono Lake
Remembering Graham ‘Sandy’ Rogers: A Community Icon
Minnesota’s Bipartisan Budget Deal Addresses Budget Deficit
North Myrtle Beach Enhances Beach Accessibility for All
Crystal Keats Celebrated for Dedication as School Nurse
Myrtle Beach Officer Honored as Police Officer of the Year
House Republicans Propose Massive $4.9 Trillion Tax Breaks
Enhanced Safety Measures for Atlantic Beach BikeFest
Myrtle Beach Protests Trump’s First 100 Days
29th Annual Blessing of the Inlet Set for May 3, 2025
Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Memorial Day events
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WBTW News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach traffic regulations
