NMB hosting Irish-Italian Festival

The 18th annual Irish-Italian International Festival is set for Sept. 24 in North Myrtle Beach.

Be one of the 15,000 visitors to the more than 100 vendors lining Main Street in North Myrtle Beach to celebrate the event on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Come hungry because there will be all manner of Irish and Italian favorites available.

And guests are encouraged to vote for the best entrée, best decorated, and best dessert.

See street performers and two stages of live entertainment, and don’t forget the spaghetti-eating contest. Be the first to finish your food without using your hands.

Along with a plaque to prove your win, you get a year’s worth of bragging rights.

The entertainment lineup is impressive with both stages packed with favorites.

On the Irish stage, Brendan O’Conner entertains before the 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony and is back at 10:45.

An hour later, the Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes and Drums will be followed by Mark McKinney & Co at noon.

At 2 p.m., Clover’s Revenge brings “a trio with an explosive sound of Celtic polk funk," said Angel Sylvester, special events and program director for North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation.

On the Italian/International stage, Austin Giorgio, who was on The Voice’s 14th season, will start the festivities at 10 a.m.

After the opening ceremonies a half hour later, the Jebb Mac Band will entertain. And at 1:30 p.m., get in on the spaghetti eating contest.

At 2 p.m., enjoy “The Yacht Club.”

“We invite everyone to come out and celebrate these cultures with friends and family while enjoying everything the festival and North Myrtle Beach have to offer,” Sylvester said.

Public parking is at the lot beside Convenience Store & More at 250 Main St., at Dr. Ramsbottom’s North Myrtle Beach Family Practice at 86 Cedar Ave., at McLean Park at 93 Oak Drive and at the Bi-Lo Shopping Center on Main Street.