Issue 7, June 26, 1996
The Catawba Indians proposal to build a large, high-stakes bingo hall in the Myrtle Beach area has created quite a bit of controversy. The Horry County Council rescinded an earlier resolution that opposed the hall, but did not go so far as to work out an official agreement with the tribe. The North Myrtle Beach City Council seemed favorably disposed to the attraction at first, but at a open town meeting, a large number of conservative citizens showed up and voiced their opposition to the idea. At this point the tribe withdrew their proposal, leaving the whole project up in the air. The next day, a group of North Myrtle Beach businesses held a press conference to make it clear they thought the bingo hall was a very good idea, one that would draw crowds to the upper end of the beach and benefit all the businesses in the area. The whole situation is unresolved at this point.
Brookgreen Gardens continues to make improvements and add attractions. The 360 acre outdoor sculpture park resides within a 9,000 acres land site, and you can now tour much of this acreage aboard a 48 foot watercraft. The 45 minute tours are held at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. every day, with an 11 a.m. tour all days except Sunday and a sunset tour every day except Saturday. These tours will be held through the middle of November. The sunset tours are a part of the garden’s new evening hours throughout the summer. The park will remain open until dark except on Saturdays, when the normal 5:30 p.m. closing is still in effect. A buffet dinner is offered from 6 to 8 each night, and the sculptures will be illuminated. The complex has moved 42 of its sculptures to a new indoor gallery, which is part of an ongoing renovation of the visitor’s center. Future plans call for a wildlife hiking trail. The adjacent Huntington State Park completed an expansion two years ago that included new bathhouses and a gift shop. Brookgreen Gardens opens at 9:30 a.m. Park admission is $7.50, $2.50 children; the boat ride is $5 adults, $2.50 children; and the evening buffet is $9.95, $6.95 children (or $2.95 for a child’s hot dog meal). Call (803) 237-4218 for more information.
Georgetown, just south of the strand, is holding its Harborwalk Festival June 29-30 along the city’s waterfront. Attractions will include boat and road races, food, arts and crafts displays, a bass fishing competition, and children’s activities. In Conway, Riverfest ‘96 will be held June 29 (along the Wacammaw River, of course), with fireworks, music, food, a car show, and more. At the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on July 6 at 3 p.m., the Showstopper American Dance Championship will be held, featuring Ben Vereen as an honored guest. Tickets are $8 in advance. For more information: Harborwalk - (803) 546-1511; Riverfest - (803) 248-2773; Showstoppers - (803) 347-7990.
The Country Music Fans’ Hall of Fame has opened on US 17 Bypass behind the old Air Force Base. Donations from the personal collections of many country music artists are on display. Admission is $5, and hours are 10-6, 1-6 on Sundays. (803) 293-1900.
Myrtle Beach currently has two comedy clubs in operation. Coconuts is contained within the larger Spectators bar on US 17 Business in the Restaurant Row section of town. Shows are every night at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Call (803) 448-5653 for artists. Right up the road is the Comedy Cabana. This club will feature Pauly Shore on July 4-6 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. (803) 449-4242.
A new cultural arts festival will be held this year on Oct. 19-27. Vivace! will feature local talent, such as both of the Grand Strand’s orchestras, and several visiting performance groups. The Don Pasquale opera will be staged Oct. 19, 42nd Street will be performed Oct. 27, and local groups will put on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Call (803) 248-7200 for more information.
Kenny Rogers, the famous country / pop music artist, was in town recently to dedicate the sixth hole at Myrtle Beach National golf course (named ‘The Gambler’, since you can either play it safe or gamble on your shot) and to perform at the Palace Theater. He indicated he might be looking to have a permanent theater home in the area sometime in the near future. Rogers is part owner of a theater in Branson, Missouri, and plays there frequently. He would presumable split his time if he gets involved in a Myrtle Beach venture. He also expressed interest in opening one of his roasted chicken franchises in town.
The House of Blues, one of the theme restaurants that is being constructed along the strand, announced their opening date will be February 14, 1997, and an old water tower will be placed next to the facility as an eye-catching device. The building will seat 3000 patrons when concerts are held.
The Wings beachwear chain, which operates 20 stores along the beach, is trying something new with one of their outlets. On US 17 Business just south of central Myrtle Beach (across from the site of the old Magic Harbor amusement park), they have expanded one location to include an indoor miniature golf course, basketball courts, arcade, child’s playground, and an upstairs sports bar. If the concept works, other stores will be similarly transformed. The chain is in the process of closing all their stores around the Pavilion, however.
The crowds that were missing from the Grand Strand during the early part of June are back. Restaurants, attractions, and the beaches are as populated as one would expect for the summer season.
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