🌱Young Readers Invited To Read With Dogs + BBQ Competition Coming Up!

Hello there, Myrtle Beach. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today you'll find news about these stories and more:

• A book vending machine!
• BBQ competition coming up!
• Read with dogs at the library!

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and beautiful. High: 72 Low: 63.

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Here are the top four stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. Instead of snacks and drinks, the new vending machine at Homewood Elementary School is dispensing books. The "Bookworm" vending machine is stocked with books that were purchased with donations as well as money raised at by the school. The names of students who win "Eagle of the Week" are put into a drawing and each week one name is chosen and that student gets to choose a book from the vending machine. (wpde.com)
2. Mark your calendars for the annual Smoke on the Beach BBQ competition which will be held May 19-20 in Myrtle Beach Pavilion Park. The event is hosted by the Myrtle Beach Shrine Club. According to WBTW, "the 'Anything Butt' competition is the people’s choice, and first place will be awarded $800, second place $500 and third place $300. The rib competition has an additional entry fee of $50 and there is only a first place winner. The grand champion award is $500. To qualify you must participate in the rib competition. For a team to enter, the cost is $200 and entries are limited to the first 50 teams. The festival will also have live music, food truck vendors, a car show, activities for the kids and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Myrtle Beach Shrine Club." (WBTW)
3. If you've been hoping to add a fluffy ball of love and affection to your life, you should check out these Myrtle Beach area animal shelters for a pet to take home. Millions of companion animals are surrendered to animal shelters each year nationwide, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. Shelters often look after other animals in search of a permanent home as well, including pigs, birds and even horses. However, only half of all shelter animals — about 3.2 million — are adopted each year, ASPCA data shows. This means millions of animals — some right here in the Myrtle Beach area — are still waiting for their forever homes. With help from our friends at Petfinder, Patch has compiled this week’s list of animals available for adoption near you. Whether you’re looking for cuddles or companionship, one of these animals could be the perfect fit for your family. (Myrtle Beach Patch)
4. Young readers are invited to come and Read with the Dogs: Tail Waggin' Tutors Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Carolina Forest Library. Readers can practice reading aloud in a fun, relaxed environment with certified therapy dogs! Suggested age 5-8 years, but all children are welcome. Registration is not required for this event. (WBTW)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Charles Bach Wonders! Magic & Illusion Show (7:00 PM)
• The Carolina Opry (7:00 PM)

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.

From my notebook:

• Myrtle Beach Police Department: "Our Myrtle Beach Telecommunicators were honored today, as City Council recognized this week as Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week. We were able to have team members from two weeks on the job to 25 years in attendance for the honor. Th..." (Myrtle Beach Police Department via Facebook)
• South Carolina Stingrays: "The #Quest4Kelly begins on Saturday, April 22nd at the North Charleston Coliseum." (South Carolina Stingrays via Instagram)
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: "A look at the highlights from the Pelicans first two games at home! The Birds return to Pelicans Ballpark April 18-23." (Myrtle Beach Pelicans via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Thank you Brenda Ivans for donating these sweet goodies to be raffled off at All Dogs Go to Happy! Join us Saturday, April 15 from 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at House of Blues Myrtle Beach for a fun happy hour full of live music, drinks and meet pups available for adoption!" (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Police Department: "The Myrtle Beach Police Foundation will host its 1st Annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, April 16th, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The Tournament will take place at Top Golf, 2850 Robert Grissom Parkway, and will include lunch. " (Myrtle Beach Police Department via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com