Sun Fun- Nothing Else Like It!

Myrtle Beach, SC -
Yes, Myrtle Beach is synonymous with golf, shopping, and excellent Calabash-style seafood, but nothing says Myrtle Beach like Sun Fun... the Sun Fun Festival® that is! This festival, now in its 50th year, is to Myrtle Beach locals and long-time visitors THE Myrtle Beach event of the year.

Internationally known ice-skating champion and Olympic Silver Medallist Nancy Kerrigan is the star of the Kick-Off...

Why this is so is apparent from just a list of the events to be held- everything from summer beach favorites like sandcastle building and volleyball tournaments, to crowd pleasing beauty pageants and watermelon-eating contests.

Add in a mix of high-profile special events- concerts, air shows, and celebrities- and the anticipation the Sun Fun Festival® generates is easily understood.

Almost all beach communities celebrate the benefits of coastal living in summer festivals, but Myrtle Beach, with fifty years' experience, knows best how to throw a summer street party.

The good times begin with the Official Sun Fun Festival® Kick-off on May 31st at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. Internationally known ice-skating champion and Olympic Silver Medallist Nancy Kerrigan is the star of the Kick-Off, as she has a bronze star in her honor laid at the Sun Fun Celebrity Boardwalk.

The party continues through the night as the U.S. Air Force Blue Aces rock-n-roll band performs to the accompaniment of a laser show and fireworks.

Myrtle Beach has chosen to honor one of its own at this year's Sun Fun Parade... naming Vanna White Grand Marshal! Vanna is a native of North Myrtle Beach, and will be bringing her natural exuberance and wholesome good looks to the parade- along with the Wheelmobile, a traveling "Wheel of Fortune" experience complete with a professional host, stage, puzzleboard and prizes.

The Sun Fun Parade begins at 10am on Saturday, June 2nd on Ocean Boulevard at 3rd Avenue South. Featuring an unusual array of brightly decorated floats, military and high school bands, Sun Fun Festival® beauty and bikini contestants, the Woodland String "Mummers" Band and a host of other outrageous sights. The parade finishes at 16th Avenue North..

The calendar's full for Saturday, with the 2001 Sprint PCS® Sun Fun Festival Air Show, the North to South Cat Dash, and Sun Fun Beach Run.

The Sprint PCS® Sun Fun Festival Air Show has become a huge event, complete with skydivers, wing-walkers, and aerial acrobatics. The United States Army Golden Knights parachute exhibition team will demonstrate the amazing accuracy and skill with which they maneuver their 'chutes.

"Mr. Airshow," Gene Saucy, is bringing in his team of daredevils to the show. Gene has won more awards than any other active airshow pilot, and is a master of showmanship. Together with partner and world famous "wing walker" and aviation artist Teresa Stokes, Gene will no doubt excite and awe the crowd.

The North American Aerobatic Team will fly into Myrtle Beach with their World War II North American Advanced Trainers, or AT-6's. These planes were used as training craft for new pilots during the War, and their versatility and durability make them perfect for the type of daring acrobatics the team employs.

The list of activities and events at the 50th Annual Sun Fun Festival ® could go on and on... this is definitely one well-put together festival! Do yourself and your family a favor, and head on over to the Sun Fun Festival®. This is what memories are made of!