It ain’t summer until Myrtle Beach says so and this year, summer begins June 4 with the kick off of the 58th annual Sun Fun Festival which is celebrated June 4 – 8, 2009. But the fun doesn’t end in June, throughout the summer the Sun Fun Summer Concert Series takes place and summer comes to an end September 5 – 6, 2009, with the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival. The festivals and concerts take place at the Grande Park across The Market Common on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and importantly, festival events and concerts are FREE and family-friendly. These fabulous summer events are organized by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

Here are highlights of Myrtle Beach’s Sun Fun Festival:

Live Entertainment and Fair Fare, June 5 – Come hungry to indulge in fair fare while enjoying live entertainment. Bring chairs and blankets but leave coolers at home.

Chance to Update Your Facebook Photo, June 6 – Get up close and personal with celebrities during a meet-and-greet who include Blake Lewis of “American Idol” (season 6 runner-up), Jason Earles of “Hannah Montana” and Robert Newman of “Guiding Light.”

Rock Out with Lifehouse, June 6 – the multiplatinum American band will rock the Myrtle Beach crowd. (Here’s a hint, they sang 2001’s hit “Hanging by a Moment.”)

Don’t Try this in the Pool – H2X Racing Demonstrations, June 6 – Pro watercraft racers show off their tricks on the lake.

Kids Zone Games, June 6 – Screams of laughter are bound to be heard from this area with games, inflatable rides and other free amusements.

There She is, 2010 Miss Sun Fun (and Miss Sun Fun Teen Pageant), June 6 – Originated in 1960, this Myrtle Beach tradition symbolizes the annual festival. The pageants will take place at Myrtle Beach High School.

Wear Running Shoes, Not Flip-flops for the Sun Fun Beach Run, June 6 – Dependent on your energy, pick either the 5k run/walk or 1-mile fun run on North Myrtle Beach.

Sun Fun Festival Fireworks Extravaganza, June 6 – Need we say more? What better way to end a fun-filled Myrtle Beach day than with a spectacular fireworks display.

Want to learn more? Visit the Sun Fun Festival website for additional information and check out the Myrtle Beach value vacation rentals available June 4 – 8 at Resort Rentals.

Photo: Courtesy of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce