For over forty-five years, South Carolina has invited Canadians to celebrate the onset of spring in the sunny climate of Myrtle Beach. The Canadian American Days are celebrated city-wide during an eight-day festival that's been selected as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society. Held annually from March 10 through 18, the festival coincides with Canada's winter school holiday to give families a chance to vacation along the Carolina coastline. The event also includes annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
In the days preceding Can-Am Days, Myrtle Beach hosts the U.S. Championships in Shag Dance, which originated along the Carolina strands in the 1930s, characteristically involving rhythmic hopping from one foot to the other. The shag is the state dance of both North and South Carolina. Other pre-festival events include the Festival Brass Pops Concert, Taste of the Coast restaurant samplings, and Can-Am Cup yachting races.
Kick-off celebrations are held at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, followed by a day of river boat tours and festivities at the Barefoot Resort Yacht Club. PGA Golf Challenges, the U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Concert, a day of culture and history at the Huntington Atalaya castle, the Children's Olympics for ages three to twelve, a kite-flying festival, walking and boat tours, beach-combing for treasure, all the seafood one could ever want, parades, auto races, musical concerts each night, and fireworks are among the festival highlights.
Many events are free, but tickets are required. They're distributed on a first-come basis beginning two weeks prior to Can-Am Days; supplies are limited. Concerts, dinners and cruises require admission fees. Contact the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for details.
