Every March, the Myrtle Beach area celebrates its Canadian – and American – visitors, in a event called Can-Am Days. During Can-Am Days there are lots of events to choose from – concerts, receptions, a St. Patty’s Day parade, sporting events, car shows and much more.
From March 8-16, the Myrtle Beach area will welcome its Canadian and American visitors with an eight-day line-up of family-fun activities, giveaways and welcome receptions taking place in and around some of the area’s newest attractions. Last year, more than 200,000 visitors enjoyed the festival that attracts not only Canadians but also snow birds from Northern states.
Highlights of the festival include:
• National Shag Dance Championships, March 6-8– Since the shag dance originated in the Myrtle Beach area, this tournament is especially fitting. Hosted at Studebakers, the event showcases amateur and professional division dancers with more than 50 couples competing for the national title.
• Canadian Appreciation Days in Georgetown County, March 8-16– The Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is hosting a variety of activities to honor our friends north of the border.
• Can-Am Kick-off Celebration Expo, March 10 – This expo officially kicks off the celebration of Can-Am Days and features musical entertainment and fabulous giveaways throughout the day. The event will be held at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Grand Strand Campus Business and Conference Center, located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.
• South Strand Can-Am Reception, March 11– The town of Surfside Beach is hosting a reception at the Lakewood Conference Center.
• United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble Concert, March 11 – A throwback to the swing era, Rhythm in Blue blends traditional Big Band sounds with contemporary styles. The ensemble of 18 members, representing a melting pot of American talent, will perform a concert at the Myrtle Beach Community Church.
• South Strand Wildlife and History Day, March 12 – The 14th annual event at Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle, is the site of three family-friendly events:
Wendy’s International Kite Festival: Wendy’s will provide free kites to the first 300 participants ages 15 and under for the kitefest.
Can-Am Little Olympics: Children ages 3-12 are invited to participate in Olympic-style beach games, organized by Intracoastal Outreach.
Taste of Murrells Inlet: As a tasty extension of the South Strand Wildlife and History Day, visitors are invited to enjoy specialties from some of the finest restaurants in Murrells Inlet, the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.â€
• Conway Loves Canadians and Americans Day, March 13 – The Conway Visitor Center is hosting several activities: a welcome reception with entertainment and door prize drawings, glass-blowing demonstrations, guided historical walking tours and a quilt display by the 2008 Quilt Gala winners.
For more information about the festivities, please click here to visit The Can-Am Days website