Hello Friends!

Someone once said that if we had no winter, spring would not be so pleasant. There is no doubt that spring has arrived in Myrtle Beach and at the Avista! The resort is full of families with children on spring break, the pool area full of sunbathers, and the outlets are full of shoppers looking for the greatest bargain! The sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom. The Avista staff is hard at work, preparing for the busy summer that they know is right around the corner. We look forward to seeing you and making this vacation your best one ever!

Until then…
The Avista Staff

The Snowbirds have flown the coop!
After a busy season, the last of our Snowbirds checked out the beginning of April. All in all, we would say that it was a very successful season! The Snowbirds participated in several show outings, once a month golf outings and they even organized 2 potluck dinners! The monthly rates for next year have been released and are available on the Avista website or you can contact the reservations department at 1-800-968-8986.

Easter Events
The Easter Bunny hopped on over to the Avista on Easter morning to take pictures with the kids, give out candy, judge the coloring contest and host two Easter egg hunts. The coloring contest was a great success with over 150 entries in the 5 age categories. It was hard for the Easter Bunny to pick winners, so she enlisted the help of a coloring professional and the winners were picked based on creativity, use of color and crayon technique. Trying to avoid the chaos that was last years egg hunt, the Easter Bunny gave a little bit of tough love to the kids before they were let loose to look for regular eggs and 12 special golden eggs. One lucky finder of a golden egg won a basket from Le Grande Cirque with t-shirts and tickets for their entire family. The Easter Bunny was also on hand to open the doors for the Easter Brunch at Just Off Main, where she greeted guests and enjoyed several cups of "carrot juice." As the Easter Bunny left the resort, she was heard saying, "See you all next year!"

Ripley's Mascot Sharkee at the Avista!
On April 10th, the Avista was treated to a special visit by the Ripley's Aquarium mascot, Sharkee. Dressed in his pirate apparel, Sharkee was poolside to say hello to the kids, take pictures and gave out special pirate themed toys and goodies! Sharkee, who is a very mischievous shark, tried his best to sneak up on unsuspecting sunbathers, but was often discovered before he could startle them. After all, it is kind of hard to miss a 7ft shark dressed like a pirate. We look forward to many more visits from Sharkee this year! To see Sharkee and learn more about Ripley's Aquarium, visit them on line at www.ripleysaquarium.com

Weddings
Congratulations and best wishes to the following couples on their recent nuptials:
       March 23, 2007 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pettko
       March 31, 2007 Mr. and Mrs. Russell Woodson

We would like to recognize the following groups who have stayed at or held functions at the Avista over the past month: Fort Bragg Strong Bond Couples Retreat, Fort Bragg Strong Bond Singles Retreat, Boyd County High School Dance Competition, Calvary Baptist Church Day School, Health Care Partners of SC, Cramerton Free Will Baptist Church Couple's Retreat, Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Marriage Retreat, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Vass Baptist Church Youth Retreat, Gospel Baptist Women's Ministry, Raleigh First Church of the Nazarene Women's Retreat.

Attention NASCAR fans!
Tickets are still available for the Dodge Avenger 500 Nextel Cup race at Darlington Speedway on May 12th. Located just 70 miles from Myrtle Beach, this race under the lights proves to be a nail biter. In June, the track is set to undergo major renovations that will include repaving the track, building an additional infield access tunnel, new pit stalls, and additional fan parking areas. This race has sold out the past 2 years; so don't miss your chance to see the stars of NASCAR on one of its most historic tracks. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.darlingtonraceway.com.

Mayfest on Main Street!
Summer is on its way, and along with that comes a spectacular lineup of outdoor concerts and festivals. The weekend of May 11-13th kicks off Avista poolside with renowned World Wide Radio DJ, Earl Taylor.

On Saturday, North Myrtle Beach boasts the 2nd Annual Mayfest on Main, which promises to be one of the largest media events in coastal SC history. Thousands are expected to enjoy this free concert and sample foods from vendors along the east coast… all this within walking distance of the Avista.

Avista continues to shine throughout the weekend by hosting the Governor's VIP SC Hall of Fame Dinner. This will be the Avista's first time to host this private event honoring the newest inductees into the state's Hall of Fame.