Spark of freedom lights fires of creativity at boat parade – Coastal Observer

Spark of freedom lights fires of creativity at boat parade – Coastal Observer

Something had been missing at the Murrells Inlet Fourth of July Boat Parade ever since the pandemic. “People just rode through and didn’t really decorate,” said Suzanne King of Murrells Inlet. Participation was never the concern. It was the creativity, “which we had a lot of this year,” said Christina Thompson, who has overseen Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk events for more than a decade. The parade had a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it returned in 2021, there was no registration fee which meant no prizes or trophies. After five years of requests, this year’s 43rd annual cruise brought it all back for the nation’s sestercentennial. Organizers reinstated the $10 entry fee and encouraged boaters to decorate for this year’s theme, “Floating on Freedom: Celebrating 250 Years.” More than 30 boats registered to be in this year’s parade, Thompson said. The top three boats and two honorable mentions won trophies, gift certificates and bragging rights. Honorable mentions were completely new for this year’s parade, which went to Phyllis Hendrix and Jacob Sloan. More incentives means more creativity, Thompson said. “That did entice them to put in the effort,” she said. Taylor Privette’s pirate ship was deemed No. 1 at this year’s parade. The King family claimed second place, and Scottie Campbell took third. The Kings started brainstorming ideas for their float in April. “We knew with it being the 250th anniversary of our nation we should do something with that,” King said. The float featured the Liberty Bell, Boston Tea Party crates and an 8-foot-tall flag with the Declaration of Independence. King dressed as Betsy Ross, accompanied by her family members dressed as George Washington, Abigail Adams and sailors.  The Liberty Bell was actually a plastic pot – with a crack drawn on it – and a pool noodle wrapped around its base. They covered all bases, King added, putting about $1,500 worth into decorations and outfits. It was worth the “hour-and-a-half of the most fun,” she said. “It means almost as much to us as Christmas. It’s a big celebration,” King said. “It’s our family time.” Boat parades come with a unique set of challenges compared to the county’s other parades including wind and water movement. Having the parade in the morning helped with participation, Thompson said, especially on a July day in South Carolina. High tide wasn’t until about noon on the Fourth. The parade started at the point at Garden City Beach at 10 a.m. Organizers have also had requests to bring back prizes for the best decorated docks, said Lee Hewitt, one of the founders of the boat parade. The committee is still deciding on that, according to Thompson. Hattie and LaVonde Smith of Murrells Inlet were content with watching the parade from a bench outside Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.  The seawall at the church is a prime viewing spot. The sisters’ routine stayed the same for this year’s Independence Day. “It has built up in our minds that this is just an amazing day. It represents our freedoms to do whatever,” Hattie said. “We usually come here to do this very thing.” LaVonde said it’s been a tradition for nearly 20 years since she moved to the area and even when she was a little girl on vacations at Myrtle Beach for the Fourth. “It just doesn’t seem like the Fourth without being in this area,” LaVonde said. Mark Ale of Murrells Inlet recalled the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. He was 21 in Glassboro, N.J., celebrating at a barbecue cookout with his family, he said. “There was just a lot of patriotism and fervor,” Ale said. “There still is. I mean, there’s millions of people that are out celebrating.”