March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade (North Myrtle Beach, SC)

On March 17, 2018 members of the Carolina Garrison gathered in North Myrtle Beach for the 30th annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s day parade. We set up base camp close to where the parade would end to ensure no extra walking after the parade. members total showed up for the 2.25 mile hike thru the parade route. After we all got dressed it was a brisk walk up to our starting area. We were in position number 90 out of 120 parade entries. The 30th annual Parade had a estimated crowd of 35,000 in attendance. The parade was also telecast on live TV in many different markets in addition to Myrtle beach, it was also telecast in Greensboro, Raleigh, Asheville, Columbia SC,Baltimore Maryland, Columbus Ohio, Cinncinnati Ohio, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The weather was perfect for us in costume as it was in the and the crowd was very receptive. Many of the crowd wanted pics and would come into the parade route to secure their picture with their favorite character. The interactive nature of the crowd made the parade a fun event. After the parade we headed back to base camp where we suited down and some of our group headed home due to the long drive to attend the parade. Many of the remaining members headed over to the festival part of the parade to eat, enjoy the festivities, and Hang out and enjoy fellowship.

Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Matt Mascorro – Boba Fett
2. Mark Sinclair- Stormtrooper
3. Forrest Elge – Deathtrooper
4. Frankie Gore – Tie Pilot
5. Chris Smith – Kylo Ren
6. Brad Mikulskis – Snowtrooper
7. Chris Mccanless – Tusken Raider

Handlers:
1. Tommy Fernell
2. Dana Mccanless