Beachfest offers free events to Grand Strand

By Rebekah Carter
WBTW Producer
Published: June 12, 2008

Thousands of people are expected to crowd the old Myrtle Square Mall site this weekend.

Beachfest 2008 is taking place, with a number of Christian performers and speakers taking the main stage.

Andrew Palau has traveled around the world preaching to millions of people. He says the festivals like these are more energetic and exciting than some others.

“In the midst of all the excitement happening on the beach, this is going to be a place that will be a great family-friendly environment,” he says, “and I know that’s what Myrtle Beach loves and is all about.”

It’s not just musicians performing this weekend, though. Professional surfers and X-Game medalists will be showing off their fancy moves, too. Popular Veggie Tale cartoon characters, Bob and Larry are making appearances also.

Some of the big-name Christian performers are Toby Mac, Mandisa from American Idol, Hawk Nelson, and MercyMe.

There is no cost for any of the events at Beachfest this weekend. Everything is free because more than 50 churches and 25 businesses in the area are helping sponsor the event.

Some business owners in the area are excited to see the event come, and hopes it helps bring in sales over the weekend.

“It’s just a huge impact for this entire area for people to come out and spend money in a tight economy,” says business-owner, Mark Kiskunas. “The festival is free, but all these businesses that have been left without the mall site for so long are so excited to have crowds here,” he says.

But the music, extreme sports, and guest appearances aren’t what organizers are most excited about. For them, it’s all about the message that people take away from the event.

“Many people are interested in Jesus, what does he say? What do all the churches say?” Palau says, “They might not want to go to church, so here’s a place in a real natural environment and they can hear about that and make a decision without a lot of barriers.”

This is the 62nd festival of the sort that Palau has been a part of. His father, Luis Palau, began evangelical crusades more than 50 years ago.