In the parking lot of the Myrtle Beach Mall, located in Horry County between the cities of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, Mustang Week officially kicked off on Monday.
The Mustang week’s new promotional team will be working to avoid the City of Myrtle Beach this year after Myrtle Beach Mayor informed the group they were not approved by the town.
The former owner of Mustang Week decided last year to sell, and five new owners stepped forward to purchase the event. Thousands of muscle cars will be on display during days of events in the Grand Strand.
“Rodney Melton, the previous owner of Mustang Week, and his staff were ready to retire,” said Lloyd Hunt, chief revenue officer for Power Automedia. “We couldn’t just let it go away.”
Several events are planned for this year, including a track too tough for owners to tame in Darlington.
“We’ll have competitive drag racing on the cruiser track,” said Hunt. “There will be bragging rights to be won.”
Due to the passing of his grandfather, Tristan Stewart is looking forward to starting new traditions with his five-year-old son this year.
“I’ve participated in Mustang Week since I was probably 10 or 12 years old,” Stewart said. “I used to come down here with my grandfather, who passed away a few years back.”
Mustang Week was thought to be over after the City of Myrtle Beach decided not to renew the event’s contract at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for 2022.
Despite its family-friendly nature, the event continues to draw people from around the world. Jaxson Crann joined his family for a road trip from Georgia, and although he is too young to drive, he has asked for a Mustang from his dad.
“Get a lot of money, then I can afford it,” Crann said.
In preparation for the kick-off celebration, Horry County police officers patrolled Kings Highway, stopping drivers with a heavy foot on the accelerator. Organizers reminded participants to obey traffic laws.
It’s important to obey traffic laws and be safe on the roads here, said Hunt. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
On Saturday, September 9th, Mustang Week will conclude with an all-Mustang cruise at the Myrtle Beach Mall where the Bass Pro Shop is located, including an awards ceremony, activities, and music.
The mall is in Briarcliff Acres between North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach.