ore than three decades ago, the Isle of Palms Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade started off as a casual pastime in honor of Independence Day. It’s been spinning its wheels ever since and has turned into a time-honored tradition that draws the community together to celebrate our country’s freedom. Each year, the parade attracts hundreds of people from residents who walk from their homes, to nearby locals and tourists, as spectators line up to see the decked-out golf carts 15 IslandVibesIOP.com COMMUNITY M IOP Golf Cart Parade marches on under city’s supervision By Maurice J. Frazier and accompanying pageantry. “It’s really the official kickoff to the Fourth of July celebration on Isle of Palms,” explained Sgt. Matt Storen of the Isle of Palms Police Department. “This year, the organizers thought it was too much to handle on their own and the City of Isle of Oct 10 6-8 PM islander 71 IOP FIREFIGHTER APPRECIATION NIGHT JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENT IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER’S WEEK! All proceeds and tips from the featured drinks will go to IOP LENS Foundation to benefit the Isle of Palms Fire Department. Islander 71 Presents LENSIOP.ORG Come out and support a great cause while enjoying a fun, family-friendly evening! Guest Bartender: Mayor Phillip Pounds Featured Beer, Wine & Cocktail Live Music Free Kids Meals Firetrucks on-site More Fun and Games 80 41st Ave, IOP, SC 29451 REGISTER FOR THE EVENT TO BE ENTERED INTO A LOTTERY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GIFT CARD TO ISLANDER 71! REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND NOV 12, 2024 SPEAKER: GEORGE GREENE III ISLE OF PALMS EXCHANGE CLUB 201 Palm Blvd Isle of Palms, SC 29451 George Greene III, PE, PhD, co-founded Water Mission and led its expansion to 60 countries. He also co-founded and directs the Global Water Center. Previously, he founded and led General Engineering Laboratories, making it a top U.S. environmental lab. Dr. Greene holds a PhD from Tulane, a master's from Columbia, and a bachelor's from the University of Florida, all in chemical engineering. George Greene III, PE, PhD Water Mission Co-Founder and Global Water Advocate LENS LEADERSHIP SERIES A FORUM FOR VISIONARY LEADERS TO CONNECT AND CONVERSE 6 PM REGISTER FOR FREE WWW.LENSIOP.ORG/PROGRAMS Palms took over.” Last year’s parade had more than 150 golf carts that participated. This year, Storen estimated close to 200 golf carts were in attendance. With that many golf carts and spectators, safety was a paramount concern. This is why changes within the parade route were made and certain items were banned such as water balloons, due to the small pieces of rubber that could go into storm drains and get in our waterways, which is not great for the ecosystem. “We start at Ocean Boulevard and Fourth Avenue, now,” Storen added. “It’s just logically better for us to handle the amount of traffic.” Next year will mark the parade’s fifth year as an official event. This uniquely whimsical, exciting event, along with many others, is what makes Isle of Palm a standout, special place. The Isle of Palms Golf Cart Parade became an official event for the past four years. These photos were taken over the years since its origin.
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