Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND C.E. "CHIP" SMITH AND THE ENTIRE MURRELLS INLET COMMUNITY FOR HOSTING THEIR ANNUAL SPRING TIDE COMMUNITY CLEANUP AND CHOWDER COOKOFF, A KEY FACTOR IN HELPING THE MURRELLS INLET ESTUARY RETAIN ITS EXQUISITE NATURAL BEAUTY AND CHARM, BOTH NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE.
Whereas, in 1989, after the ravages of Hurricane Hugo, a seed that has blossomed and borne lasting fruit was planted within the Murrells Inlet community. It started with a group of local creek rats who cared deeply for the area. They wanted to clean up the hurricane debris that had flooded the area's beautiful inlet. The founders of the resulting cleanup event named it Spring Tide, and with the help of the community, six hundred volunteers gathered up seventy tons of trash from the creek in one day. This year, May 1, 2022, will mark more than thirty years of successful cleanups, making Spring Tide one of the longest-running water cleanup efforts in the State of South Carolina; and
Whereas, the Spring Tide event takes place during high tide and begins with an introduction given by one of the cleanup's founders, C.E. "Chip" Smith, also affectionately known as "Captain Crustacean." One of the most diversely skilled and intelligent creek rats around, Chip is an admirable photographer and writer. The signs along the MarshWalk with descriptions of the local wildlife were narrated by Chip. He also helps with designing all the t-shirts and stickers for both Spring Tide and Plus-One Boating, another idea Chip brought to life. Its objective is that whenever a boater is out on the water, that boater returns to shore with a piece of trash. Chip is no stranger to getting his feet wet and dirty in the salty marsh pluff mud, and he proudly claims that Spring Tide is "the best day of the year"; and
Whereas, after a few hours of cleanup, Spring Tide volunteers bring their trash in just in time for a celebration. Local restaurants donate soup for a chowder cookoff, and Danny's BBQ contributes its delicious food, as well, so that all the volunteers enjoy a free meal. The community is able to enjoy a spring Sunday afternoon full of Lowcountry love and great music played by local bands. Everyone involved genuinely wants to help, and everyone has a great time doing so; and
Whereas, the House encourages all South Carolinians to visit this family-friendly event, assist with the cleanup, and join in the chowder cookoff. A wonderful time will be had by all, and all who participate will benefit themselves and multitudes of others who love the coastal glories of Murrells Inlet. Please visit murrellsinletsc.com for more information. See you there! Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend C.E. "Chip" Smith and the entire Murrells Inlet community for hosting their annual Spring Tide Community Cleanup and Chowder Cookoff, a key factor in helping the Murrells Inlet estuary retain its exquisite natural beauty and charm, both now and for the future.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to C.E. "Chip" Smith on behalf of all the volunteers who have labored over three decades to ensure that the Murrells Inlet estuary remains the pristine natural blessing it is today.
This web page was last updated on February 15, 2022 at 12:41 PM