25th Annual Regatta spreads Christmas cheer

Nov 29, 2009

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - Restaurant owners say what's good for Horry County kids is also good for business. This weekend was the 25th annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. The six mile long boat parade starts in Little River and ends at Dock Holidays in North Myrtle Beach. For many, watching boats parade down the intracoastal is an annual tradition. Pete Phillips and his family have come down from North Carolina for the last 13 years. " We have eight to ten friends that normally come with us, and we have a good time down here," he said. Spectators like the Phillips brought toys to donate to Horry County schools for the Yachts for Tots program. And the event brings a big crowd to restaurants on the water. "This is probably the last time we're going to have a lot of people down here until Christmas," Crab Catchers Manager, Neil Mantor, said. Organizers said they estimate nearly 10,000 people watch the parade from restaurants, home and condos along the water. Last year the event brought in enough to provide toys to nearly 900 needy families in Horry County. ©2009 WMBF News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AddThis Social Bookmark Button