The banners are being raised on Ocean Boulevard, droves of men and their families pour into the motels on the south end, it can only mean one thing! The 51st annual South Atlantic Shrine Association convention is coming to Myrtle Beach and along with it the season closing Shriner parade that has graced the south side for over 50 years!
The Shriners are a branch of Free Masonry founded in 1871, the Shrine has long been wrapped in conspiracy theory and mystery. The target of the Catholic Church, Nazi Germany, and even a once 'Anti-Freemason Party' the Masons have been a part of our culture since the nation's founding (by freemasons).
And while the Masonic Temple has a more complex and nuanced history, the Shriners' story is actually a fairly simple and entertaining one. Without too many details, some Masons were on a trip and saw a funny little play where the audience was sworn to secrecy concerning the events of the show, and by doing so became initiated into a secret society. These masons went home to their lodges and describing the play and it's Arabian themed content (funny enough immediately breaking their oaths) and thought it would be fun to replicate something similar in their lodges.
While the concept of Freemasonry is about self improvement and community work, the Shriners are a group who's SOLE purpose is 'fellowship and fun'! Along with other various charities the Shriners finally concentrated on their chain of charity hospitals that specialize in helping children striken with illnesses pertaining to mobility. This was mostly a result of the Polio epidemic but continues with other various ailments that prevent children from being able to walk. Their symbol, besides the pharaoh's death mask and scimitar, is an empty wheel chair, representing their ideal world, where no mobility issues exist.
The parade is always massive and accompanied by events for shriners throughout the week at various locations. Donations for the Shriner hospital can be given at the parade (often by just throwing it at them) and can be found September 21st at 9am between 17th and 29th ave s. Ocean Boulevard!
Come and support this fun free event and the Shriner hospitals!
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Thank you for supporting the Shrine. It is an honor and privilege to call you our Friend. All of us always look for you and are happy to see you at our events.
Welcome Noble!
So awesome to hear from you and thank you so much for the kind words! I honestly means a LOT to me to know that while you all are donating your time, money, sweat and often blood to help kids in need, that I can make you smile and enjoy your visit just a little bit more! It's a tremendous treat every year to host the Nobles and is one of the highlights of our year. See you soon!