GEORGETOWN — When PFLAG Pawleys Island decided to launch a fundraiser, the group wanted an event that would lift spirits.
Bringing people together was important, but so was bringing joy.
"Laughter breaks down all barriers," said Mark Bayer, the group's president. "There's enough pain and division in this world. We need some love and we need some laughter."
Enter “Laugh Out Loud: Comedy for a Cause,” which returns April 27 at Winyah Auditorium in Georgetown. This 18+ show is the third installment of the event for PFLAG, which supports the LGBTQIA+ community.
The night begins with a 5 p.m. reception and complimentary drinks. Local food truck Black Cat Kitchen will have comfort dishes available for purchase.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m.
The lineup features local LGBTQIA+ comedians and their allies, including Drue Michael of Pawleys Island, Chris Roberts of Myrtle Beach and Randy Carbone of Myrtle Beach.
For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/o/pflag-pawleys-island-80487474853.
The PFLAG organization has a three-tiered focus: support, education and advocacy. The group has a monthly support meeting and a dinner/social, it offers a diversity, equity and inclusion program, and it meet with local representatives to advocate for policies in Columbia.
Brookgreen Gardens Art Festival
Brookgreen Gardens will host its annual art festival April 27-28.
The two-day event showcases the craftsmanship of regional and national artists and artisans, including sculpture, painting, pottery, glass and fabric art.
It’s all on the storied Murrells Inlet grounds that Tripadvisor named one of the top 10 public gardens in the U.S.
The event is free with garden admission. The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on April 27 and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 28.
Georgetown's annual Bridge2Bridge Run
Georgetown hosts the 11th annual Bridge2Bridge Run on April 27.
The 2024 edition of the event includes a kids fun run, a 5K, a 12K and the return of a half-marathon. The race benefits the nonprofit Friendship Place.
The cost depends on when runners register. Until April 26, it's $115 for the half-marathon. That increases to $130 on race day. The 12K is $75 through April 26 and $85 on the day of the event. The 5K is $50 through April 26 and $60 on race day.
The 12K and half-marathon begin at 7 a.m. while the 5K starts at 7:30 a.m.
The races start at the clock tower near the intersection of Front and Screven streets. The course winds past some of the city's landmarks, including the Kaminiski House, Winyah Indigo Society Hall, the old Georgetown County Courthouse and historic homes.
Those running the 12K and half-marathon will leave the city and travel over the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Black rivers.
To register, visit www.bridge2bridgerun.com.
National Day of Prayer service
Georgetown's National Day of Prayer service will be May 2 from noon until 1 p.m. at Joseph Rainey Park, 929 Front St. This year's theme is "Lift up the Word, Light up the world."
Georgetown will join thousands of other communities across the country in recognizing the 73rd anniversary of the National Day of Prayer. The annual event is held on the first Thursday in May.
This year's service is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Georgetown, though the city and churches throughout the community are participating.
