North Myrtle Beach

by Emily Smith Here on the Grand Strand, our community is celebrating spring with a series of events in North Myrtle Beach that extend all month long. LuLu’s in Barefoot Landing, hosts an annual Easter EGGstravaganza on Easter Sunday, April 4, from morning until early afternoon. There will be an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter bunny, and crafts. Last year’s event was virtual; this year’s is planned for outside at the playground to keep everyone safe while having fun.  Visit Facebook@lulusnorthmyrtlebeach for full details and the latest information on weather and planning. Also in the Barefoot Landing area, The House of Blues is known for their Sunday brunches; their Easter gospel celebration is particularly acclaimed. For Easter Sunday, reservations are strongly encouraged. The show lasts from 9am to 2pm. Call 843-913-3746 and visit Facebook@HOBMyrtleBeach for more information. Many churches in the city will be offering sunrise services Easter morning; most also offer online streaming should participants prefer that option. Below is a short list of worship centers in the area and their contact information for you to plan the best Easter Sunday for you and your family.  The Barefoot Church on Main Street will perform services throughout the day with the last around 5pm. This church also conducts sunrise baptisms on the beach Easter morning. Contact them at 843-280-1270; and www.linktr.ee/barefootchurch. The King of Glory Lutheran Church, located at 805 11th Avenue, also holds multiple morning services. Contact them at 843-249-3954; and Facebook@/KOBNMB.  Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church holds at least four masses in the morning, from sunrise to noon, plus two services in the Spanish language. They are located at 1100 8th Avenue North. Contact them at 843-249-2356; and www.olssnmb.com. Trinity United Methodist Church plans to hold sunrise services both in the church and on the beach, and will also provide live streaming so participants can attend virtually. They are located at 706 14th Avenue South. Contact them at 843-272-5236; and www.trinitynmb.com. Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church holds services at 9:15am and 11am. They are located at 410 6th Avenue South. Contact them at 843-249-2312; and www.oceandrivechurch.org. For more information click on the icons below. Globe Phone

This year’s Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach runs from November 23 through December 30, at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. Millions of lights will sparkle through the nights this year just as they have in years past, shining brightly in the face of trying times.

by Shawn Spickler, Fitness Director of NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center Summer is nearly here which means fitness is once again on the top of everyone’s mind. What are your fitness goals for this summer? Rather than letting your bathing suit or your appearance be the motivating factor for your fitness goals, why not think of something that you want to accomplish? Do you want to run and finish an entire 5k? Now is the time to start planning, and here are some tips to help motivate you. Pick an event Having a specific date or event in mind will provide built-in motivation while you are exercising and training. Pick an event that inspires you. Goals are meant to be achievable and also fun. Eat Healthy Set yourself up for success by feeding your body healthy meals and snacks that will fuel you for your exercises and keep you feeling trim and happy. Better Hydration Yes, we all know it is important to drink water, but as you start ramping up your activity in the warmer weather, proper hydration will boost your performance and how you feel. If drinking water begins to feel monotonous, try adding some fruit or even mint. Set a plan Don’t be a rudderless ship. Join a fitness class or hire a personal trainer to help you prepare for and reach your goals. Remember to start small and build on your new training program. Make a habit Just like old habits die hard, new habits are even more difficult to form. Make your exercise a daily routine and you will have a higher chance of sticking to it. Habits can be a good thing. If you like “to do” lists, try adding exercise onto yours and feel the satisfaction in checking it off every day. I have always appreciated the process of working towards my goals much more than achieving the goal itself. And, once you reach that summer goal, you may even find yourself thinking about what you will do next. Continue your summer commitment and enjoy year-long health and wellness.

by Angel Rabon The North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department introduces electric bikes to the community at the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Sport Complex near the Soccer/Lacrosse parking lot. Myrtle Beach Electric Bikes is a local, woman and veteran owned business in North Myrtle Beach. They offer a variety of electric bikes for hourly rentals and conduct multiple tours in the park. They also offer multi-day rentals delivered to your home or hotel’s front door on the Grand Strand. What is an electric bike? They are a regular bike but with a small integrated electric motor. The motor is used for propulsion and provides a gentle boost or enough power to conquer almost any hill and have a good time doing so. E-bikes, as they’re commonly called, are gaining in popularity across the country, and taking a large market share away from conventional bicycles. E-Bikes use a rechargeable battery and can travel up to 20 mph with a range of 45+ miles. One of the best things about electric bikes is that they give you the ability to put in as much or as little effort as you choose— all while enjoying the outdoors. You’re free to pedal like crazy, doing all the work, or if you’re in a hurry, let the pedal assist or throttle get you there quicker. Myrtle Beach Electric Bikes has a fleet of Rad Power Bikes, also called Fat Bikes, capable of navigating on-road and off-road surfaces comfortably and safely with an option to pedal with assistance or just twist the throttle (or both) to get moving. Electric bikes are a fun, healthy, cost efficient, environmentally friendly, easy way to get around. Myrtle Beach Electric Bikes Facebook Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

by Angel Rabon, City of North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation North Myrtle Beach may be known for its nine miles of beautiful sandy beaches, but dispersed throughout the city are a variety of trails and open areas for the residents and visiting guests to enjoy. The City of NMB Parks & Recreation maintains many trails and open spaces providing people of all ages a no-cost recreational activity where they can cycle, walk, hike, jog or sit and relax.  Preserving important natural landscapes is one of the benefits of trails and open spaces. The City of NMB offers two preserves that demonstrate just that. The Heritage Shores Nature Preserve is one of the most unique parks in the city. With seven acres of walking trails, the park is located on an island that extends into the marsh. This land is preserved in its native state and is accessible via a series of elevated boardwalks and observation decks. Interpretive signage throughout the park describes the plants, animals, fish, and birds that can be seen on your stroll through the park. Located adjacent to the preserve is the Cherry Grove Park & Boat Ramp. This popular fishing spot is located on the Cherry Grove Marsh and provides boat access to the marsh and the Atlantic Ocean. The Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve is a scenic overview of the picturesque Cherry Grove Marsh where guests enjoy fishing and crabbing. The park provides foot access to the inlet and a boardwalk was added to maintain important marsh habitat. The City of NMB encourages physical fitness and connecting with others through trails and open spaces. Situated throughout the NMB Park & Sports Complex are three trails and a meadow. The Lake Trail is 1.1 miles around a lake which provides walkers the opportunity to view the riders at the Shark Wake Park, and the adventure seekers on the zip lines from the Go-Ape Tree Top Adventure. At the center of the Sports Complex is the twelve acre open area, McLeod Seacoast Meadow. This grassy, open area is available for general recreation activities as well as special events. The meadow is a great area for family picnics, relaxation, or a multitude of other recreation activities. It is surrounded by a half-mile walking path which is used daily by residents and visitors. Also in the Sports Complex, is the 2.5 mile McLeod Seacoast Nature Trail, set to open this fall. This trail takes you through a forest area filled with lush vegetation and a variety of birds and animals. These City of NMB trails and areas are currently sponsored by local banks and medical centers. The sponsorships help to preserve, protect, maintain, and support these natural places while providing businesses the opportunity to get involved in promoting an active lifestyle in the community. Trails are essential to all cities, and the City of North Myrtle Beach will continue to preserve and maintain these walking paths and open areas for all to enjoy. Whether it is a stroll around a lake, or a quiet hike in the woods, these amenities provide people the opportunity to enjoy the diverse environment and the natural beauty of our city.

by The City of North Myrtle Beach The North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department will host the 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, April 4 from 10am-2pm. The event will be held at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sport Complex in the Wild Wing Café Soccer/Lacrosse parking lot. Admission is free. Touch-A-Truck provides a day for children of all ages to get an up-close, interactive look at many of the large vehicles and heavy equipment they only see on television or driving down the road. Everyone will have the opportunity to explore exhibits like dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks, police cars, race cars and more. This event also does double duty by educating youngsters about various aspects of the vehicles, such as their size and function. In addition to all the vehicles, this community event also features public safety information and other family fun activities. Join us for face painting; a sidewalk chalk competition; the chance to construct birdhouses with Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful; spot-camera eye screenings offered by the North Myrtle Beach Lion’s Club; and letter writing to soldiers abroad with the Grand Strand Blue Star Mothers. The City of North Myrtle Beach is proud to support families who have children with autism, special needs, and sensory sensitivities. There will be a sensory-friendly experience from 1-2pm, where all sirens and equipment noise will be silenced. This is a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types— public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, delivery, and those that are just plain cool— all in one place. Everyone is invited to come out to climb, learn and discover.

by The City of North Myrtle Beach Pedal in the Park This event will take you and your family on a leisurely three mile bike ride around the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, starting and finishing at the Amphitheater. The event has a superhero theme, and will be held Friday, March 20, beginning at sunset (approximately 7:15pm). There is also a 1-mile junior course option. Please note this is not a race, and despite the approximation of time, the event will begin promptly at sunset. Please bring your own bicycles. Wearing helmets is encouraged. The North Myrtle Beach Pilot Club will be in attendance before the event to educate everyone on Brain and Helmet safety. They’ll be conducting a short puppet show and are donating helmets to attendees before the ride takes off. Be sure to stick around after the event for our dance party with superhero themed activities that is sure to be a “heroic” time. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide complimentary water, lemonade, and light refreshments after the ride. This is a free family event that will be sure to get everyone moving. Touch-A-Truck The North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department will host the 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, April 4 from 10am-2pm. The event will be held at the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Sport Complex in the Soccer/Lacrosse parking lot. Admission is free. Touch-A-Truck provides a day for children of all ages to get an up-close, interactive look at many of the large vehicles and heavy equipment you only see on television or driving down the road. Everyone will have the opportunity to explore exhibits like dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks, police cars, race cars and more. This event also does double duty by educating youngsters about various aspects of the vehicles, such as their size and function. In addition to all the vehicles, this community event also features public safety information and other activities. There will be a segment on helmet safety by the North Strand Optimist Club, spot camera eye screenings offered by the North Myrtle Beach Lion’s Club, and an opportunity to write letters to soldiers with the Grand Strand Blue Star Mothers. There will also be face painting. The City of North Myrtle Beach is proud to support families who have children with autism, special needs and sensory sensitivities. There will be a sensory-friendly experience from 1:00-2:00pm, where all sirens and equipment noise will be silenced. Everyone is invited to come out to climb, learn and discover.  North Myrtle Beach Events Globe Phone

by Shawn C. Spickler, Fitness Director, NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center  The North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center would like to invite the community to participate in supporting Heart Health Month by getting active during the month of February. An inactive lifestyle is a big risk factor for heart disease. Fortunately, this risk factor is a variable you can control. Exercising your heart means exercising your body. Before beginning any exercise program, be sure to consult with your physician, especially if you are on heart medications or have any restrictions due to health issues. Your doctor will be happy to help construct a healthy heart exercise program suitable for you. The following tips will help improve your heart health and overall well-being. Warm Up Warm-up exercises help your heart and muscles adjust from a resting state to an exercise state. Warming up will gradually increase your heart rate, thus reducing the stress on your heart and muscles. Good stretching exercises for warming up include shoulder rolls, knee lifts, overhead reaches and light walking. Aerobic/Cardio Conditioning The bulk of your healthy heart routine will be spent doing aerobic activity. Physical activity that increases your heart rate should be done for at least 20-30 minutes a day. Swimming, brisk walking, and low-impact aerobics are all good options. If aerobics isn’t your thing, don’t rule out exercise. Housework, yard work and other activities that you can build into your daily routine are all effective at increasing your heart rate and improving heart health. Cool Down Cooling down from exercise gradually brings your heart rate down and helps your body recover. Bring the intensity of your exercise down a few notches and include some more stretching in this phase. Whether you practice a structured healthy heart exercise program or you consistently add physical activity into your daily routine, remember that it all adds up. And a healthy heart is a happy heart.

by Rick Harpster In early March of 2009, a small group of local North Myrtle Beach residents gathered on a Central Park tennis court on a cool spring morning. Fran Jenkins had invited each of them to join her to learn a new sport from Joe Gullo, a snow bird from upstate New York. It was pickleball. The early players of the game in North Myrtle Beach would chalk the tennis court with the pickleball court lines and play for several hours each day using the tennis net as a substitute for a pickleball net. As with many good things, word of the game began to spread throughout the Grand Strand, and more people showed up to learn the game. From that meager beginning, the game has taken the Grand Strand by storm. It has spread throughout the area and is now played at public recreation centers and outdoors on converted tennis courts or dedicated pickleball courts in many communities along the Strand.  There are currently about 80 public or semi-private, indoor or outdoor pickleball courts in Horry County. It is expected that this number will exceed 100 in less than two years. As golf courses continue to close, it will not be long before there will be more pickleball courts along the Strand than golf courses.  The game originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington in the mid ’60s. Joel Pritchard, a former U.S. Representative for the State of Washington and a couple of his friends created the game in the summer of 1965.  Returning home after playing a round of golf, Joel and his golfing buddies found their families bored on Saturday afternoon. Fabricating paddles out of wood, using a baseball whiffle ball, and by lowering the net on their badminton court, the game was born. The Strand has two Pickleball clubs that have formed in recent years. The North Myrtle Beach Pickleball Association (NMBPA) and the Carolina Coastal Pickleball Club (CCPC) represent over 800 players. These two organizations promote tournaments, leagues, conduct fundraising activities, and organize social activities for members. In September 2019 these local clubs hosted two Pickleball Tournaments— the Paddle at the Beach Pickleball Tournament at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center and the USAPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Pickleball Tournament at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Center— which brought in over 600 players from various states along the East Coast. In addition to the tournaments, many visitors to the Grand Strand that play the game are seeking out local pickleball venues such as the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center in North Myrtle Beach, on a daily basis to play. Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the activities that tourists seek for family enjoyment during their stay at the beach.  Pickleball is a healthy, fun, and exciting game for all members of the family, and the Grand Strand is the vacation hot spot for pickleball on the Southeast Coast. For a list of locations to play along the Grand Strand, visit www.places2play.org.

by the City of North Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer in the holiday season and invites everyone, visitors and locals alike, to enjoy these jolly events. THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW Visit this park-wide lighted celebration that captures the spirit of the season. The two mile drive-through light show features over two million festively displayed lights.  Over 500 magical light displays, some up to 55 feet tall, are custom made for the Great Christmas Light Show— at least forty of them animated. Admission is $15 per vehicle of 1-15 guests, $30 per vehicle of 16-30 guests, and $60 per vehicle of 31+ guests. Come see Santa’s Village to experience Santa’s Village Treats, visit with and have your photo taken with Santa, ride the Santa Express Train, see a petting zoo, and more. Some additional attractions require a ticket purchase. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only November 29-December 15. Open nightly December 19-30; closed Christmas Day. For more information visit www.greatchristmaslightshow.com. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH CHRISTMAS PARADE It would not be Christmas without the annual North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade. Join your friends and neighbors on December 7 to enjoy the lighted floats and units representing groups from across the area. The parade travels down Main Street to Ocean Boulevard and disperses on 2nd Avenue North. Any location along Main Street provides a great view of the parade. For more information and details, or to enter a group in the parade, contact Charlene Lynam at the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce at (843) 361-3045 or charlene@northmyrtlebeachchamber.com.  THE GRINCH’S CANDY CANE HUNT Help! The Grinch has come to North Myrtle Beach and is threatening to turn all of our Candy Canes GREEN. Please join us on December 12 at The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex Wyndham Baseball Complex and help us gather them before it is too late. After all of the Candy Canes are safe, we will cozy up with hot cocoa and watch the movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966). Bring a beach chair and blankets.  SHOP WITH A HERO CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT The City of North Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Resort & Golf annually collaborate on a wonderful golf tournament that benefits children in need in our community. All proceeds from the event go towards the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department’s, “Shop with a Hero” program, which makes sure that children in need have a special Christmas that includes lunch, presents and important items such as winter coats. This year, join us on Friday, December 13 at 11am at the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf.

by the City of North Myrtle Beach The Great Christmas Light Show The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex will become home to the Great Christmas Light Show this holiday season. Opening to the public on Monday, November 25, the drive-through light show will feature almost three million lights festively displayed along a two mile drive throughout the Park & Sports Complex.  More than 500 magical light displays, some up to fifty-five feet wide, have been custom made for the event. Visitors will experience forty enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes where the lights will come to life. After traveling through the light show, everyone is invited to park their cars and visit Santa’s Village where they can enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores; get an up-close look at the lights on the Santa Express Train Ride; visit the petting zoo; meet with Santa; and more.  The Great Christmas Light Show costs $15 per car. Admission into Santa’s Village is included with your ticket, and parking is free. Snacks and activities in the Village will be available for purchase separately. The light show will operate nightly from 5:30pm – 9pm.  They are closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28; and Christmas Day, December 25. Santa’s Village will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 29 until December 15. Starting December 19, it is open nightly (closed on November 28 and December 25). Admission is $15 per vehicle for up to 15 guests; $30 for 16 – 30 guests; and $60 for 31+ guests. Train rides, inflatables and concessions are not included in the admission price.  For more information please visit www.GreatChristmasLightShow.com or call 843-281-3805.  The Great Christmas Light Show is located at NMB Park & Sports Complex, 150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566. Dashing Through the Glow Be one of the first to see the lights during this two mile non-competitive walk/run through the Great Christmas Light Show. Dashing Through the Glow will be held November 22 with a 7pm start time. Sponsored by the NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center, this event has become a traditional way to kick off the holiday season. Adult (12 & older) registration is $20 and includes a medal and official bib. Youth (11 & under) registration is $10 and includes a kids medal and official bib. Children in strollers may participate free with a paying adult (no medal or bib awarded). Get in the spirit and wear your best holiday themed outfit. Prizes will be given for the best dressed individual and the best dressed family.  After the run, all participants and their families are invited to continue the holiday celebration in Santa’s Village.  Visit with Santa, drink hot chocolate, ride on the magical Santa Express train or take in the many new lights and attractions in Santa’s Village (additional charges apply for activities in the Christmas Village). For more information on events in North Myrtle Beach visit parks.nmb.us.

by the City of North Myrtle Beach There is fun for all at Howl-O-Scream. The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex transforms into a safe haven for the thrill seekers of North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 5- 8 pm.  For this event, the Parks and Recreation Department collaborates with Coastal Carolina University’s recreation management class to convert the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex into a spook-tacular site for an array of activities that are open to all ages.  There will be hayrides, marshmallow roasting, trick-or-treating, games and much more. Scare zones and scare-free zones offer a variety of excitement levels that are sure to satisfy all. The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex is located at 150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC. Entry for adults is $2, children ages 5-14 $1, and children under 4 are free. Concessions available for additional fees. Another family favorite, Movies at McLean, will feature a Halloween themed movie. Hotel Transylvania 3 will be shown on October 11 at 7:00 pm. Come out to McLean Park and watch this movie under the stars with your family and friends on the new jumbo screen that will make you feel like you are at a movie theater. Bring your chair or a blanket and enjoy the show.  Movies at McLean is held at McLean Park located at 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach. Concessions will be available from NMB Lions Club.  For more information visit www.parks.nmb.us or follow North Myrtle Beach Recreation on Facebook. For weather information and updates, call the Rec Check Line at (843) 280-5594 ext. 3. 

by the City of North Myrtle Beach The City of North Myrtle Beach will host the 16th Annual Irish-Italian International Festival on Saturday, September 28, 2019.  This one day rain or shine event draws approximately 15,000 people, all eager to celebrate different cultures.   The festival begins at 10:00am and continues until 4:00pm on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.  “We like to celebrate all cultures that day, so it’s not just about being Irish or Italian,” says Tina McCrackin, special events director for North Myrtle Beach. “It’s a great way for everyone to kick off the fall.” Flags from all over the world will line Main Street, so there’ll be something for everyone. Over 100 vendors will be there featuring food with an Irish and Italian flair and of course, festival favorites. Arts and crafts vendors will showcase their talents so you can purchase one of a kind gifts and treasures. Food vendors will compete for the title of Best Entrée, Best Decorated, and Best Dessert. Festival goers can also join in a friendly spaghetti eating competition. Do you have what it takes to be the first to eat all of your spaghetti…without using your hands? For a nominal fee, a children’s area will offer a variety of entertainment that suits all ages to include rides, inflatables and more. For your entertainment there will be street performers and two stages of entertainment. The Irish stage will feature Irish pop star Brendan O’Connor, a Pipe and Drum band, acoustic trio Mark McKinney & Co., and the energetic Irish duo– House of Hamill. Not to be outdone, the Italian International Stage will bring back Rat Pack style singer Dave Mosher and Larry Tanelli and Friends. Rounding out the musical entertainment will be the American Beach music band, The Catalinas. Irish Stage 10:00AM Brendan O’Connor 10:30AM Opening Ceremonies 10:45AM Brendan O’Connor 11:30AM Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes & Drums 11:45AM Mark McKinney Band 1:30PM – 4:00PM House of Hamill   Italian International Stage 10:00AM Dale Mosher 10:30AM Opening Ceremonies 10:45AM Dale Mosher 11:30AM Larry Tanelli & Friends 1:00PM The Catalina’s 2:16PM Spaghetti Eating Contest 3:00PM – 4:00PM The Catalina’s Sponsors for the event include City of North Myrtle Beach, Easy 105.9, Flynn’s Irish Tavern, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and WFXB Fox TV. Festival admission & parking are free. For more information on this festival and other events happening in North Myrtle Beach visit parks.nmb.us.

by the City of North Myrtle Beach Park N’ Play The North Myrtle Beach (NMB) Parks & Recreation Department is excited to bring to you, Park N’ Play, a recreation center on wheels that offers a variety of organized activities to promote outdoor play amongst children at local parks. This mobile recreation program will establish new locations to play, and enhance current play opportunities throughout the community. As part of the program, children will have the chance to create unique art projects, join in on an array of organized games and activities, or just utilize the playground in a safe, kid-friendly environment. Children can join our Passport Club and record their experiences and favorite things about Park N’ Play at each stop.  Be sure to join in on the fun on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 10am-12pm. This event is free and open to the public. Locations will vary and showcase all of the different parks and open spaces the City of North Myrtle Beach has to offer. Upcoming stops include: August 13 Hill Street Park (2346 Hill Street, NMB) August 27 Heritage Shores Nature Preserve (5600 Heritage Drive, NMB)   Pedal in the Park This event will take you and your family on a leisurely three mile bike ride around the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, starting and finishing at the Amphitheater. Pedal in the Park with a Hawaiian theme will be Friday, August 30, at 7pm. The event will begin promptly and will premiere our new, 1 mile long, Junior Course. Please note, that this event is not a race.  Bring your own bicycles; helmets are encouraged for safety. And be sure to don your most festive Hawaiian attire for this tropical ride.  Stick around after the ride for our dance party with Hawaiian-themed activities that are sure to be reminiscent of times in the tropics. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide complimentary water, lemonade and S’Mores after the ride, with other light refreshments available for purchase. This is a free, family event that will be sure to get the whole family moving.  For more programs and events visit www.parks.nmb.us. (843) 280-5584 or e-mail recreation@nmb.us.

by the City of North Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach may be known for its nine miles of beautiful sandy beaches, but dispersed throughout the city are a variety of trails and open areas for the residents and visiting guests to enjoy.  The City of NMB Parks & Recreation maintains many trails and open spaces providing people of all ages no-cost recreational spaces where they can cycle, walk, hike, jog or simply sit and relax. Preserving important natural landscapes is one of the benefits of trails and open spaces. The City of NMB offers two preserves that demonstrate just that. The Heritage Shores Nature Preserve is one of the most unique parks in the city. With seven acres of walking trails, the park is located on an island that extends into the marsh.  This land is preserved in its native state and is accessible via a series of elevated boardwalks and observation decks. Interpretive signage throughout the park describes the plants, animals, fish, and birds that can be seen on your stroll.  Located adjacent to the Preserve is the Cherry Grove Park & Boat Ramp. This popular fishing spot is located on the Cherry Grove Marsh and provides boat access to the marsh and the Atlantic Ocean. The Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve is a scenic overview of the picturesque Cherry Grove Marsh where guests enjoy fishing and crabbing. The park provides foot access to the inlet and a boardwalk was added to maintain important marsh habitat.  The City of NMB encourages physical fitness and connecting with others through trails and open spaces. Situated through the NMB Park & Sports Complex are three trails and a meadow. The Lake Trail is 1.1 miles around a lake which provides pedestrians the opportunity to view the riders at Shark Wake Park, and the adventure-seekers on the zip lines from the Go-Ape Treetop Adventure. At the center of the Sports Complex is a twelve-acre, grassy, open area— the McLeod Seacoast Meadow. It is a great area for family picnics, relaxation, or a multitude of other general recreation activities, as well as special events. It is surrounded by a half-mile walking path used daily by residents and visitors. Also in the Sports Complex is the 2.5 mile McLeod Seacoast Nature Trail. This trail takes guests through a forest area filled with lush vegetation and a variety of birds and animals.  Trails are essential to all cities, and the City of North Myrtle Beach will continue to preserve and maintain these walking paths and open areas for their residents. Whether it’s a stroll around the lake, or a quiet hike in the woods, these amenities provide community residents and guests the opportunity to enjoy the diverse environment and the natural beauty of the city. For more information about North Myrtle Beach trails and parks, visit www.nmb.parks.us.

The City of North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation is proud to announce their annual Summer Concert Series and Movies at McLean events.  The popular Summer Concert Series consists of two events: Music on Main and Sounds of Summer.  Music on Main takes place every Thursday on Main Street at the Horseshoe at 11 South Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach.  Each concert is scheduled from 7:00 until 9:00 PM and is free to the public.     The Music on Main concert series, sponsored by CCNB, began in May, and will continue through September.  Concert-goers can expect an incredible variety of bands playing from genres such as beach, Motown, Blues, classic rock, dance and more.  Families are encouraged to journey to North Myrtle Beach to enjoy the live music at the Horseshoe after a long day on the beach or at work.  Music on Main line up for June: Thursday:  June 6 : Painted Man (Variety) Thursday: June 13 : The Entertainers (Beach) Thursday: June 20 : Black Glass (70’s & 80’s Arena Rock) Thursday:  June 27 : The Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band (Beach, Blues) The Sounds of Summer concert series, sponsored by Food Lion, will began in May and will continue through September.  Sounds of Summer is scheduled the third Friday of each month at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex Amphitheater located at 150 Citizens Circle, Little River.  Everyone is invited to enjoy a night with their family and friends listening to live music under the stars at the NMB Park & Sports Complex Amphitheater. The featured artist for June is Simply Tina, a world class Tina Turner tribute band composed of talented musicians, singers and dancers. Their high energy show is sure to get you out of your beach chairs while you sing along to all of Tina’s greatest hits. Spend a night watching a movie under the stars at Movies at McLean. Enjoy a free outdoor movie with your family every second Friday of the month starting in June. The featured show in June will be “Small Foot,” rated PG and will begin 15 minutes after sunset at 8:30pm.  Bring your beach chairs and blankets for a fun night out with the kids.

by the City of North Myrtle Beach North Myrtle Beach signals its own bow to the coming of summer with the 14th Annual Mayfest on Main Street.  The free festival sports a series of musical concerts. It will be held on Saturday, May 11 and is fueled to bring top-tier entertainment that spans a range of musical tastes.The festival runs from 10am-6pm, and includes about one hundred vendors, food vendors, and a children’s area. The Community Stage at Hillside Drive will be introducing Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot to the 10am lineup. They are known as a soul, R&B party band based out of North Myrtle Beach.  Their musical repertoire covers decades of hits from your favorite artists and genres of music including soul, rhythm & blues, funk, reggae, jazz standards, country, ’50s, ’60s, and Carolina Beach Music. From 12:30-1:30pm, Mark McKinney & Co will perform. They are an acoustic trio of local musicians based out of Pembroke, North Carolina. At 2:30pm, Cowboy Mouth will take the Community Stage. They are an American band based in New Orleans, known for fusing alternative rock with album-oriented rock, roots rock, and jam band influences. Formed in 1992, the band saw early mainstream success in the 1990s, including the hit single “Jenny Says.” In 2011, Cowboy Mouth was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.  On the Main Stage, in the city’s “Horseshoe,” Nelson will begin rocking the festival at 12:30pm. With their pop rock band Nelson— Matthew and Gunnar Nelson reached an unprecedented achievement when their self-penned song (“Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” became a hit in 1990— cementing their family as the only one in history to have three successive generations of No. 1 hit makers. At 2pm, Blue Monday will perform. They have won repeatedly won Elevate Lifestyle Magazine’s Best of the City 2018 award; Best Band for 2017 and 2018; Best Local Band About to Hit It Big for 2017; and more. At 4pm, former Boston guitarist and co-lead vocalist David Victor will bring his show to the Main Stage. Victor was a member of Boston from 2009-2014, embarking on two North American tours and performing lead vocals on the #1 Classic Rock Hit, “Heaven on Earth,” in 2014. During shows, David sang Boston hits “Peace of Mind,“ “More Than a Feeling,” and “Amanda.”  For more information visit www.mayfestonmain.com

by the City of North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation The North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department will host the 3rd Annual Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 10am-2pm, at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sport Complex in the Soccer/Lacrosse parking lot. Admission is free. Touch-A Truck provides a day for children of all ages to get an up close, interactive look at many of the large vehicles and heavy equipment they only see on television or driving down the road.  Everyone will have the opportunity to explore exhibits like dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks, police cars, race cars and more. This event also does double duty by educating youngsters about various aspects of the vehicles— such as their size and function.  Exhibitors include the City of North Myrtle Beach Public Safety; Horry County Bookmobile; Freedom Boat Club; Horry County Fire Rescue; Horry Electric; Santee Cooper; North Strand Nissan; Wonderworks; Mission Bar-B-Que; and more. In addition to all the vehicles, this community event also features public safety information and other activities including: face painting; sidewalk chalk competitions; birdhouse construction with Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful; spot camera eye screenings offered by the North Myrtle Beach Lion’s Club; and letter-writing to soldiers with the Grand Strand Blue Star Mothers. The City of North Myrtle Beach is proud to support families who have children with autism, special needs, and sensory sensitivities. There will be a sensory-friendly experience from 1-2 pm, where all sirens and equipment noise will be silenced. This is a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types – public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, and delivery– all in one place. Everyone is invited to come out to climb, learn, and discover.