🌱Fun This Weekend: Parade, Cocktail Class, Soup Off!

Hello all. I'm back with your new edition of the Myrtle Beach Daily. Keep reading to find out the most important things happening these days in town, including updates on...

• The Martin Luther King Jr. parade is today!
• 'Fin & Tonic' Cocktail Class.
• The 14th Annual Murrells Inlet Soup Off is happening [today]!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny; breezy, cooler. High: 47 Low: 29.

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Here are the top five stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. It's "Freedom Week" so celebrate! According to wpde.com, "there are several events open to the public to enjoy and celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The events are organized by the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation (CAAHF) in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach, and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. [Today] a record number of floats, cars and walkers will make their way down Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach for the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. This year will mark 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Today's parade will feature the Horry County Schools 'Teach of the Year' as the Grand Marshals. You can view more information on the 'Freedom Week' events by visiting the CAAHF website." (wpde.com)
2. To become more friendly for those with sensory issues, Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach has partnered up with the Champion Autism Network to offer monthly sensory-friendly events. According to wpde.com, "The experiences will be held one Saturday per month. Extra lights will be on and the music and sound levels will be low. There are also noise-canceling headphones available upon request. This month's sensory-friendly event is today from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m." Hope to see you there! (wpde.com)
3. Get your drink on today from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, which is hosting 'Fin & Tonic' Cocktail Class. According to wpde.com, "A brand new event for adults is coming to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach this weekend. It's a 'Fin and Tonic' Cocktail Class. Attendees will learn how to make craft cocktails while snacking on tapas made by an instructor at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach. The gin comes from Cape Fear Distillery in North Carolina." Save a drink for me! (wpde.com)
4. According to wpde.com, "the 14th Annual Murrells Inlet Soup Off is happening [today]! The event benefits the Shriner's Hospital for Children. It's held at Suck Band Blow and features meat, seafood, and veggie categories. Local restaurants will serve some heart-warming bowls, all for a good cause. "The Shriner's are here and participate with us and have for years. some of them cook and some of them just help us because this is a lot of work, but we have a great staff here. and it's something great to do for the community," said Bill Barber with SBB.
   Tickets are $1 each for soup samples. The 14th Annual Murrells Inlet Soup off starts at 11:00 a.m." (wpde.com)
5. A fire broke out early Friday morning that damaged a home on Temple Street in Conway. According to WBTW, "Conway firefighters were dispatched at 5:59 a.m. to the fire in the 500 block of Temple Street, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page. A photo showed smoke coming from the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation."(WBTW)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

Myrtle Beach Photo Of The Day:

Would you like to see your photo in the Myrtle Beach Daily? Send one in. Be sure to give Patch permission to republish the photo and tell us that you own the rights to the photograph. Send your pic to karena.garrity@patch.com. Thanks!

From my notebook:

• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: "One of the best ways to view the Myrtle Beach coastline: by helicopter! fellowtravelerpgh" (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• South Carolina Aquarium: " Our all-inclusive Oysterfest is back on Friday, February 24 — Buy tickets through the link in our bio! Grab a date or gather a group of friends to savor local oysters, freshly steamed and ready for shucking, in a picturesque setting." (South Carolina )
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Stray intakes 01-12-23. Male and female found at Molly Darceys. Please remember these animals are not up for adoption yet. The purpose of these posts are to reunite lost pets with their owners. Animals will be held for five days." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "645 days. That is how long Fireball has been at our shelter. Her two year anniversary is quickly approaching, and that is not something we want to celebrate. Fireball absolutely LOVES people and always explodes into a room! Recently, som..." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Today's featured #PetOfTheDay is Betty Ford! Her adoption fee is being sponsored today by Bully's Pub. This 3 year old beauty is such a gem, and you will get lost in her eyes all day! She is super sweet and friendly." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: "Margaritaville at Broadway at the Beach is glowing in the evening sunlight! What's your favorite dish at this famous joint? 📸 nocturnalsky13" (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Peppermint has been quiet and reserved most days at the shelter. She is a shy cat looking for a quiet home without dogs or small children. Peppermint was strangled as a little kitten and she can be hesitant around new people. While she is bashful, you can quickly start her purr machine by giving her some chin scratches and special treats. As soon as you show this girl some affection, she relaxes and starts to open up. Peppermint is hoping someone out there has the patience to give her extra time and TLC. To meet Peppermint, please call 843-249-4948 to schedule an appointment, or you can submit an application at https://humanesocietynmb.org/cat-adoption-form/.." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com