When it comes to celebrating our independence Murrells Inlet certainly knows how to roll out the welcome mat and is home to some of the best July 4th celebrations on the Grand Strand. Much more than just the Seafood Capital of South Carolina the Murrells Inlet community is home to 2 great events on the 4th of July and the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade and Fireworks celebration are always crowd pleasers.

What started as a few friends celebrating the 4th on the creek has turned into one of the most popular and well attended parades on the water in Murrells Inlet. I was on a sailboat that year and it was great fun but certainly a much smaller event than it is today. There was no Marshwalk for spectators and Garden City participation was much more limited.

July 4th 2011 marks the 28th annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade and boats will line up for the parade leaving the Garden City point at 10:00 a.m. Over the years the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade themes have proved to be quite an inspiration for the entrants and this year’s “Ride the Inlet Wave of Freedom’ is sure to inspire many more as both boats and boat docks from Garden City to Murrells Inlet are decorated to compete for the Murrells Inlet top prize and bragging rights as the best!

The popularity of the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade has grown every year and while viewing is possible from at private homes in Garden City and peeks from Marlin Quay Marina the best place to view the parade is along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. Want to hang out all day and have a seat for the festivities check in at Bubba’s Love Shack or Capt. Dave’s Dockside and ask about the $50 rocking chair rental with all proceeds going to Murrells Inlet 2020.

The Marshwalk is also one of the best public viewing locations for the Murrells Inlet Fireworks extravaganza that will start at 10 p.m. This years fireworks are set to be bigger and better than ever and when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July Murrells Inlet, South Carolina is definately the place to be.