The Myrtle Beach Pavilion (1948-2006)

This location has been home to several amusement parks, including the Myrtle Beach Pavillion, which operated from 1948 to 2006. The first amusement center was built in 1908 and was part of the Seaside Inn. After the hotel was destroyed in a fire, a dedicated two-story amusement center was constructed in 1923 that operated until it was also destroyed by a fire in 1944. The third iteration of the Pavillions was constructed in 1948 and expanded in the decades that followed to include a boardwalk area and dozens of rides.

In 1938, the city of Myrtle Beach was incorporated into Horry County. The influx of residents and tourists presented a business opportunity. In 1948, a traveling circus came to Conway for the Tobacco Festival. Eventually, the owners signed a contract with the Myrtle Beach Farmers Association contract stating that the carnival could remain. Two years later, Burroughs and Chapin bought the carnival and built the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. Their business strategy was to capitalize on the flow of tourists to the beach and create another attraction. One year later, fourteen carnival-style rides had been constructed for the opening of the Pavilion. In the late 1970s named The Hurricane in recognition of the many storms that had damaged rides over the years.

In 2006, the owners announced plans to close the Pavillion which was a shock to the majority of the community. That year the park the number of tickets sold doubled as area residents wanted one more opportunity to visit, especially long-time residents and frequent visitors. Some hoped that increased attendance would demonstrate the viability of restoring the Pavillion, but starting in September 2006, the rides were either sold or scraped and the former Myrtle Beach staple has been replaced with a zip-line. 

Hardee, Lesta. McDonald, Janice. Images Of America: The Myrtle Beach Pavilion. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2010.

Mowder, Chris. "Remembering The Pavilion: A Decade Later, We Look Back at the Legacy of a Local Icon." Myrtle Beach.com. City of Myrtle Beach, September 24, 2016. https://www.myrtlebeach.com/pavilion/?utm_source=GeniusMonkey_VT

"Proposed carnival won't seek permit for downtown spot." WMBF Online. WMBF, April 19, 2013. https://www.wmbfnews.com/story/22026949/mb-city-council-opposes-new-attraction/