August 29, 2011
6th Annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival
Each year during the first weekend in September Americans across the country enjoy a 3-day weekend of family, friends and fun as we all celebrate Labor Day. In preparation for this year’s Labor Day we’re going to take a look at some of the exciting festivals, parades and events taking place at some of Festiva Hospitality Group’s vacation destinations, starting with Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach’s Sun Fun Celebration will conclude another summer of entertainment with the 6th Annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival on Sept. 2-4 at Market Common. The 3-day family-friendly event will include free live entertainment, free boat rides, cooking demonstrations, barbecue competitions and much more.
The festivities start Friday at 5:30 p.m. and will run until 9 p.m. with live music from soul groups The Tams and Tru Soul. From 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. “Anything Goes,” the first of three cooking competitions, will excite festival goers as top-notch chefs serve samples of their best dish at $1 each with all of the proceeds going to charity.
On Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. a $10 wristband will provide attendees with the opportunity to
sample barbecue from more than 60 teams all competing for cash and prizes at the official S.C. Barbecue Championship. While top grill masters compete, Richard Blais, winner of BRAVO TV’s “Top Chef: All-Stars,” will host a meet n’ greet from 1-4 p.m. to answer questions and share cooking tips. In addition to the great variety of barbecue there will be a great selection of live music on Saturday which will conclude with a performance by American Idol star Josh Gracin from 8-9:15 p.m. Be sure to hang around after the show as a fireworks display will conclude the day’s activities with a bang.
In years past the Saturday fireworks display signified the end of the festival, however due to popular demand this year’s festival will also be held on Sunday. Starting at noon and running until 5 p.m., Sunday will include more live music and one more cooking competition, Wing-A-Palooza. After the winner of Wing-A-Palooza is crowned for having the best chicken wing, festival goers can enter the wing eat-off competition in an attempt to take home cash and other prizes. While the adults engulf large quantities of chicken wings children from the age of 5-15 can compete in the popular Watermelon Eating Contest which is free to enter.
With plenty of fun for the entire family the 6th Annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival is a great way to spend this Labor Day weekend in Myrtle Beach. For more information and a full listing of the live entertainment visit www.grandstrandevents.com.
May 2, 2011
Ebb & Flow Art Co-op and Coffee Shop
Residing in an inviting white house with a tin roof along U.S. Highway 17 in Murrels Inlet, S.C., is the Ebb & Flow Art Co-op. Considered a favorite hangout by locals, the Co-op serves up the area’s best coffee and art in a casual atmosphere that is not to be missed by anyone visiting the area.
Founded by four local artists, Lee Arthur, Gaston Locklear, Keel Culberson
Swinnie and Ted Watts, the co-op is a far cry from the large corporate coffee shops that can be found at the corner of every city block. Each room is filled with local artwork from all mediums including pottery, blown glass, canvases and much more. Resident artists are often found mingling amongst patrons answering questions, engaging in casual conversation or haggling with prospective customers as all prices are negotiable.
Of course the art is more enjoyable while sipping on a latte, cappuccino or espresso, all made from 100 percent organic coffee beans roasted regionally by Cashua Coffee Company. Fittingly, all of the drinks are creatively named after famous artists throughout history such as Picasso, Monet, Gaugain and Renior. Committed to running a green business, the coffee shop only uses products that are 100 percent biodegradable and compostable, leaving guests with peace of mind.
Throughout the year Ebb & Flow also hosts an array of events including the upcoming Art Show being held
on Sunday, May 15, from 1-8 p.m. The Art Show will include 35 artists displaying new works along with live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres. In October the gallery will be featured as part of the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art while each Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. local bands grace the stage.
For more information on the artists, coffee and happenings at the Ebb & Flow Art Co-op visit www.ebbandflowartco-op.com. For accommodations in the area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East, only one mile from Ebb & Flow.
