Beautiful weather and a great show of patriotism by the thousands of people who participated made the 25th Annual Murrells Inlet July 4th Boat Parade one of the best ever, according to organizers.
Riding on the committee boat, which led the procession of about 150 boats decked out in red, white and blue, Bob Hendrick and members of his family were amazed at the amount of support this year. Many people paid homage to Hendrick and the fact that July 4, 2008, was named “Bob Hendrick Day” in Murrells Inlet.
“I think it was one of our best parades yet,” said Hendrick, who has chaired the Boat Parade Committee since its inception in 1983. “An awful lot of people turned out today with a lot of enthusiasm and patriotism.”
His son, Andy Hendrick, and his granddaughter, Jill McClellan, who both have assisted Bob Hendrick with the parade since the first year, agree.
“After 25 years, the thanks they gave my dad was just terrific,” Andy Hendrick said. “A lot of people came together and we appreciate it.” McClellan said it was a great turnout for the 25th anniversary of the parade
“It really touched my heart that everyone remembered to thank (Bob) as well as participate in the parade,” McClellan said. “Hopefully, it will continue for another 25 years.”
This year, trophies were awarded to five docks and five boats that exhibited the most patriotism. Prizes were for first place and four honorable mention awards.
Dock winners • First place Robin Edwards and family — “USA: We Celebrate American Freedoms” • Honorable Mention Englis Glover and family — “History of Presidents” Matthews family — “Statue of Liberty” and “Thanks Bob” Phyllis Hendrix and family — “Pirates Celebrating 25 Years” Rodney and Laura White — “Supporting Our Troops”
Boat winners • First place Flynn Cockfield of Johnsonville • Honorable Mention Chris Smith and Stan Burroughs of Murrells Inlet Wayne Wesley and Casey Atkinson of Murrells Inlet Jimmy Kidd of Murrells Inlet Teresa Wooddall of Sanford, N.C.
