This year’s Valentine’s Day is host to some big events here on the Grand Strand. While the Myrtle Beach Marathon may be known nationally as the biggest draw of the weekend, the 2014 Boardwalk Country Music Kickoff, hosted by the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Merchants Association (OMA), definitely will not disappoint those who are still standing on Saturday afternoon.
The 2014 Boardwalk Country Music Kickoff takes place from 2:00-8:00 PM Saturday, February 15th at Plyler Park on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy this celebration absolutely free, and check out live bands including Josh Brannon Band, Tyler Hammond Band, and Eastbound. Grab some great food and drink, make a stop at the Seaside Beer Garden, and take home some gifts for friends and family as most of the local oceanfront businesses will be running special promotions.
The Myrtle Beach OMA is a non-profit, grass-roots organization dedicated to promoting and protecting Myrtle Beach, and keeping the area family friendly. The group was formed in 2006 after the closing of the Pavilion amusement park. The main goal of the OMA is to promote the downtown area as a seaside vacation and entertainment destination by showcasing the exciting attractions, gift shops, restaurants, arcades, and other businesses, as well as sponsoring concerts, fireworks, and festivals in the area. Events planned for this year include the Country Music Kickoff, a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, weekly kids carnivals, and a weekly concert series.
Plyler Park is situated just south of the Myrtle Beach Skywheel where 10th Avenue South meets North Ocean Boulevard, near the north end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The park is named for Justin Whitaker Plyler, a Myrtle Beach resident who had high hopes for the area. He owned and operated several Myrtle Beach businesses, including the famous Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, and is credited with helping Myrtle Beach become one of the most celebrated, reasonably priced family tourist destinations in the country. Plyler Park hosts a full calendar of free and family-friendly events, including the always popular “Hot Summer Nights Concert Series”. The 1.2 mile Boardwalk and Promenade was constructed in May 2010 and has attracted millions to the area.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which spans 14th Avenue North to the pier at 2nd Avenue South, has won numerous awards, including the “Shining Example Award” from the Southeast Tourism Society, and was given the number three ranking in National Geographic’s “Top 10 Boardwalks in America”.