Each spring for the last three decades, an annual congregation of classic cars — from Model T ’s and T-Birds to classic Corvettes and Mustangs — has accompanied the warming weather and blossoming flowers in the Palmetto State. And the tradition continues March 15-17, 2018, as the Run to the Sun Car Show returns to Myrtle Beach and marks its milestone 30th anniversary.
Held at the old Myrtle Square Mall location off North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, Run to the Sun 30 offers three days of events and activities revolving around the thousands of classic cars and trucks that have been restored to their eras-old glory and brought to the event. Of course, car lovers come in droves from far and wide to see and display the iconic cars while celebrating America’s rich automotive tradition.
Presented by the Pee Dee Street Rodders, a club consisting of area automotive enthusiasts, this annual Grand Strand tradition got off to a humble start with 88 cars back in 1988, and it has since become one of the most popular car shows in the Southeast. Along the way, Run to the Sun has raised a total of more than $1.5 million for local charities. This year, the event proceeds will go to the Children’s Miracle Network, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Horry County Benevolent Fund and the Grand Strand Miracle League.
Each year, the Run to the Sun Car Show sees the sizable event grounds filled bumper to bumper with classic vehicles. Spectators have the chance to get an inside, outside and an under-the-hood look at some of the most iconic pre-1989 cars and trucks ever to roll off American assembly lines, such as vintage Ford Model T’s, classic Trans Ams, and beautifully restored GTOs. More than $10,000 in cash and door prizes is given away to participants and spectators, and vendors offer their auto-related wares at a swap meet that accompanies the show. Perhaps of even more interest than the cash prizes to the participating vehicle owners, the event’s car and truck of the year are featured on the following year’s T-shirts, hats, plaques, and flyers — imagine the pride and bragging rights that honor must bring!
In addition to the nostalgia-inspiring display of cars on tap at the event grounds, Grand Strand area roadways — and especially “The Strip” in downtown Myrtle Beach — also see heavy classic-car traffic, as the vehicle owners tend to spend substantial parts of the event’s three days cruising their prized possessions to and from the area’s hot spots. This makes for a particularly fun time to be in the Myrtle Beach area, especially for lovers of old automobiles.
The car show is held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, and Friday, March 16, while the hours on Saturday, March 17, are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. City transit buses will run attendees between the nearby Broadway at the Beach shopping/dining/entertainment complex and the event grounds each day of the show. For more information about entering or attending the Run to the Sun Car Show, visit http://www.peedeestreetrodders.com And f.or a great place to stay while enjoying the show, book your stay at North Beach Plantation on the oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach.
