Issue 32, April 8, 1997
This Sunday is the official grand opening party for both Planet Hollywood (which has been 'unofficially' open for some months now) and the new sports oriented All-Star Cafe next door. A big outdoor party will be held, with the public invited. So far Bruce Willis is the only confirmed celebrity, but others will be on hand, probably including some sports figures. Inside both restaurants, invitation-only events will be held. The time for the party is expected to be in the late afternoon or early evening. The All-Star Cafe will open for business the previous day (Saturday).
On May 20 ex-Beatle Ringo Starr will play the Palace Theater. The 8 p.m. concert will also feature an all-star backup band, including Peter Frampton. Tickets are $38 to $45 for adults, with discounts for children. Call 800-905-4228 or 803-448-0588. Check the web page's Upcoming Events hyperlink (http://www.mbsc.com/upcoming.htm) for complete theater schedules.
In new attractions around the strand, the Pavilion amusement park has added a major new ride. Called the Top Spin, it's 60 feet tall and can spin and rotate in a variety of directions at once. The price for each ride is $2.40. The Alabama Grill, which closed at Barefoot Landing recently, will be reopened elsewhere on the beach this winter as a larger, theme-style restaurant like the Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood. There will be plenty of the country music group's souvenirs and videotaped concerts playing, and occasional live performances by visiting bands. At the former location of the Wendy's next to the Pavilion a new bar, Booty's, is opening soon. Sounding a lot like Hooter's, the restaurant will feature waitresses in short pants, sports on TV sets, and the usual beer, wine, and inexpensive seafood snacks. There was some opposition to this establishment from groups concerned about cleaning up the downtown area's image. Chilaca's, the Mexican restaurant on U.S. 17 Bypass near Broadway at the Beach, is changing its ownership and name, but will retain its Mexican food menu.
A Colorado State University professor is predicting three major hurricanes this year (with winds of greater than 110 MPH), four additional hurricanes, and four tropical storms. In a controversial move, Congress has cut funding for the National Weather Service that monitors these storms.
Horry County Council has voted for restrictive zoning ordinances that would shut down most of the video poker casinos in the unincorporated parts of the county within three years. Casinos with six or more machines would not be allowed within 1000 feet of homes or zoned residential areas, which would eliminate most current casinos. The ruling does not affect businesses within city limits, west of the Intracoastal Waterway, or buildings with five or less machines, and will not take effect for three years. Casino owners are planning a lawsuit.
In other gambling news, the North Myrtle Beach Council voted 4-1 to turn down the proposed Catawba Indian tribe bingo hall. The tribe wants to build anyway, and went ahead with a ceremonial groundbreaking. There is confusion about whether local approval is necessary, and the whole thing will probably wind up in the courts.
Myrtle Beach is back down to one symphony orchestra. The Myrtle Beach Philharmonic, which had split off from the Long Bay Symphony when a dispute arose regarding its conductor, has thrown in the towel. The Philharmonic received no funding from city council this year. The Long Bay Symphony says it has no plans to change its schedule due to the shutdown.
The seven month long Fishing Rodeo is now underway. From April through October anyone can enter at no charge. Entry forms are available at most area piers. $10,000 in prizes will be awarded. Call 803-626-7444 from more info.
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