St. Patrick's Day Traditions

We are a couple of days away from St. Patrick's Day and I can't wait. We go to North Myrtle Beach, SC every year for their huge St. Patrick's Celebration. If you are anywhere in that area and have never been, you are missing out. I would suggest making a plan to check this out.

The morning starts early with tons of people lining Ocean Drive, dressed in green things that you didn't even know existed, for the biggest and best parade I have ever attended. We were shocked 10 years ago when we went to our first one and it was close to 2 hours long. You will see about anything you can imagine in this amazing parade. Over the years, we have enjoyed many favorite parade entries. I think a favorite for Aiden every year is the escaped prisoner act from the Shriner's. He thinks that is funny. And of course, the go carts that the Shriner's drive are the coolest. I personally love to see the bands...it brings back high school memories of my marching band days. We also love the hundreds of decorated golf carts and say that we want to decorate ours and participate. The highlight of the parade for the kids is the mounds of candy and beads that are thrown out. When Aiden was young it scared me to death because he ran for candy...no matter where it landed in the road. He isn't into as much as he used to be and is happy to hand off his treasures to young children that are nearby. It's crazy how much he leaves the parade with.

He caught all these beads.

Mr. St. Patrick, himself.

The good stuff.

Anybody need some beads?

The stash

Give me all the green!

The Shriner's Go-Karts.

One of our favorite golf carts.

Even the boats get in on the fun.

I love hearing the bagpipes.

The rest of the day we hang out at the St. Patrick's festival that has the streets closed and lined with vendors with everything you could ever hope to see. It's so fun to stroll through all the booths. The food area has the most amazing smells and offers so many varieties of food....from festival type to Irish favorites. There is something for everyone. Aiden's favorite part of the festival is the kids section that has carnival rides, bounce houses, climbing walls and games of all sorts. He always comes away with some sort of prize that he really doesn't need but just has to have.

Mr. Leprechaun showed up.

Just a few people showed up.

Tons of great vendors.

And music you don't usually hear.

It's an amazing day from start to finish. I strongly encourage you to get to North Myrtle Beach and take in this fun day. You won't be sorry and you will make some wonderful memories.