Larger crowds expected for St. Paddy’s at beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — The crowds should be larger at the St. Patrick’s celebration in Myrtle Beach because this year the holiday is on Saturday and events should draw both local residents and visitors.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports (http://bit.ly/xAaLE9 ) this is the third year the Oceanfront Merchants Association has sponsored the event and the first time on a Saturday. Nine bands already have been booked to play at the event, started in part to bring more people downtown during the late winter.

Organizers say more local residents have been turning out in recent years for events like St. Patrick’s Day and Octoberfest.

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Information from: The Sun News, http://www.thesunnews.com/