The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta is more than just a boat parade. Through fund-raising activities and toy drives, an impact is made on the community and the lives of children throughout Horry County who, for some reason or another, might be falling through the cracks of traditional agencies that provide assistance. Committee members rely on the counselors in the schools to make them aware of the needs they see among the children in their own schools. Donations of cash and new, unwrapped toys each year also enable the members of the committee, known as Santa’s Angels, to help make sure every child has a present to open on Christmas morning. Four-legged children are not left out of the proceeds from the event. The group began collecting pet food and supplies to help the local humane societies several years ago. Proceeds from the sale of commemorative medallions, sweatshirts and long-sleeved t-shirts are the source of funds for Intracoastal Christmas Regatta Committee. There is also do a 50/50 drawing the night of the Regatta and usually a raffle. Always planned for the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the parade will begin at dusk and may be viewed at any point along the waterway between Little River and Dock Holidays in North Myrtle Beach.
