Issue 9, July 10, 1996
As this is being written (5 p.m. 7/10/96), hurricane warnings have been issued for central Florida to the North Carolina / Virginia border. Hurricane Bertha has winds in excess of 100 MPH, and is moving north / northwest at 15 MPH. Forecasters are having a hard time predicting steering currents. There are some fronts and pressure systems in the area, but none are strong enough to say with exact accuracy exactly where the storm is going. However, at this time the most likely path puts the eye very near Myrtle Beach. This is a very large storm, 400 miles wide with hurricane force winds 100-150 miles from the center, and Myrtle Beach will be affected even if the storm does not strike directly, unless it suddenly turns strongly northeast very soon. Landfall is expected tomorrow night.
From last week’s issue: Burroughs and Chapin, the huge Myrtle Beach operation that runs the Pavilion, doesn’t think the area is ready for this size park at this time, but has said it will compete with any attractions that do open, possibly by moving the Pavilion inland (near Broadway at the Beach) and expanding it.
About the time those words were being transmitted last Wednesday, Burroughs and Chapin made it official - the Pavilion is moving. 1998, the center’s 50th anniversary, will be the last year for the famous landmark amusement center in its present beachside location. The following year, a 100 acre single-admission theme park will open next to Broadway at the Beach. It will contain many of the attractions in the present park, plus large scale roller coasters and the like that one would find at a Six Flags type resort. An entertainment amphitheater, seating 5-7000 and similar to the one next to Carowinds, is also planned. The park will be open most of the year.
This obviously impacts the plans TPI has to build a very large amusement park of their own at the old Air Force Base. Do they continue with their plans, and, if so, can the Grand Strand possibly support two large amusement parks? Or do they abandon or scale down the project? Stay tuned.
What about the present seaside location of the Pavilion? The company has not said what its plans are. Speculation is that a beach access facility might be built to accommodate visitors to the company’s planned inland hotels, or a large convention-friendly hotel would be constructed. There has been a feeling expressed in some circles that the downtown area around the Pavilion has been deteriorating lately, with too many shops selling obscene T-shirts and drug paraphernalia. A redevelopment plan is being worked on by the city, and the company is participating in this.
The whole area is practically a landmark, the center of all Myrtle beach activity for decades. Thousands of people have celebrated their high school graduations, spent endless hours slowly cruising the boulevard, or just observed the passing humanity from the second floor of the Pavilion building itself. Some have even met their future mates ‘down at the Pavilion’. Enjoy it while you can, an era will be ending soon.
New acts recently announced for the Palace Theater:
The Beach Boys, July 14, 6:30 p.m.
The Pointer Sisters, Aug. 21
All For One, Aug. 26
Reggae Madness (Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy), Aug. 27
Barry Manilow, Aug. 31-Sep. 1
All shows at 8:00 except for the Beach Boys. Call (800) 905-4228 or (803) 448-0588.
Additional items of interest:
The IMAX Theater at Broadway at the Beach has added a third large screen movie. ‘Speed’ is being shown at 9 and 11 p.m. ‘The Living Sea’ is at 12 Noon, and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 p.m.; ‘The Great American West’ is at 11 a.m. and 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m. Call (803) 448-IMAX.
Bugsy’s, a sports bar and grille located at 64th Ave. N. and US 17 Business in Myrtle Beach, features a late night buffet from 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., if you get the very late night munchies. The restaurant is open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Another Johnny Rocket’s, the throwback to the 50’s style hamburger and soda fountain outlet, will be opening soon at Barefoot Landing. A location at Broadway at the Beach is currently open.
Gas prices along the Grand Strand are averaging about $1.25, except for a stretch of stations in central North Myrtle Beach on US 17. A small gas war seems to have broken out, and prices as of last weekend were only $1.08.
Here’s hoping Bertha does little damage to the strand or anywhere else.
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