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Will Woodham’s design for holiday T-shirt features the Grayman

Will Woodham of Pawleys Island created the winning design for the 59th annual Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade T-shirt design.

Woodham created his design with an image of the island’s iconic Grayman Ghost holding the American flag, surrounded by fireworks. The heading reads, “Raising Spirits.” The design also pays homage to the island’s history, stating, “Since 1822, Pawleys Island, SC,” and the date of the parade, “July 4th, 2025.”

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This is the winning design by Will Woodham of Pawleys Island. (Provided by the Town of Pawleys Island)

“I’m ecstatic!” Woodham said. “My wife and I have been discussing the idea for the T-shirt for a few years now, so when I saw there was a competition, I leapt at the chance.”

Since his mother and her husband live on Pawleys Island, Woodham and his family have been coming to Pawleys Island every year for the 4th of July and most other holidays, too. He said the family thinks of it as a little Hallmark town.

“The island really comes to life on the Fourth, from the home decorations to the floats. It’s such a great way to celebrate,” Woodham said. “We feel blessed to be part of this yearly tradition.”

This is the first time organizers of the Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade have held a contest, asking the public to submit designs for the official parade T-shirt. Scott Townes, a member of Pawleys Island events committee who is in charge of the parade, said the town received about 20 designs in the contest.

“The winning design captured the essence of Pawleys Island, along with July 4th,” Townes said. “We thank everyone that sent in a design and hope to continue this tradition next year.”

The Grayman Ghost is believed to have been a young man who returned from college in Europe and was thrown from his horse on the way to his fiance’s house on Pawleys Island. According to legend, the Grayman is said to warn people of impending hurricanes and those who see him and heed his warning to leave the island are rewarded with minimum property damage from the storm.

In addition to bragging rights for his winning design, Woodham also won a two-night stay at the Sea View Inn on the island and dinner for two at Chive Blossom restaurant on the Pawleys Island mainland.

A Pawleys tradition

The 4th of July parade is a tradition on Pawleys Island. Townes said the first parade was organized in 1966 by a resident named Nancy Bonderant, who was affectionately known as Miss B.

The Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade has grown to be a fun community event that allows residents and visitors alike to express their patriotism on July 4th, Independence Day. Visitors and locals alike parade down the Island in anything that becomes a makeshift float – be it a boat, golfcart, car, or flatbed truck – all of which will be decorated in a variety of themes incorporating red, white, and blue.

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The Guess family of Pawleys Island won the Most Enthusiastic Float in a previous parade. (Photo by Clayton Stairs/Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce)

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4. To enter a float in the parade, stop by the Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave., Pawleys Island to fill out an application. The cost to enter the parade is $20, which includes a free event T-shirt.

Applications will be available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until the day of the parade. The day of the parade, people can register if they are lined up by 9:15 a.m. Trophy categories include Best Overall Float 1st, 2nd & 3rd place; Most Patriotic Float; Best Golf Cart; Best House; and Best Dock.

The South Causeway will close at 9 a.m. except for vehicles participating in the parade. The North Causeway will remain open to traffic until 10 a.m. Streets will reopen to normal traffic as the parade progresses through the route starting with the South Causeway.

The exact reopening will be dependent on the pace of the parade and when the Pawleys Island Police Department deems it is safe. Please follow their guidance and direction throughout the day.

“Have a safe Independence Day weekend and thanks for celebrating with the Town of Pawleys Island,” said Daniel Newquist, town administrator.

For more information, call 843-237-1698, or email Daniel Newquist at info@townofpi.com.

Patriotic Flyover along beaches

After the parade on Pawleys, crowds will gather not just on Pawleys Island, but also on the Litchfield beaches and southern Garden City around 1 p.m. for the annual Salute From the Shore. A variety of military planes will fly along the coastline and video the patriotic crowds.

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The Salute From the Shore patriotic flyover will take place on the beach around 1 p.m. on the 4th of July. (Photo courtesy of Salute From the Shore)

You can help support Salute From the Shore by doing any or all of these things:

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce