Board approves special-exception for 'Grand Shrimp Medieval Farm' on 73-acre rural site

The Horry County Board of Appeals approved a special exception on July 13 to allow the Grand Shrimp Medieval Farm to operate rural-tourism events on a 73-acre property off Mill Pond Road in Gallivants Ferry.

Applicant Matt McCloud described events that will focus on living-history demonstrations and educational programming, and said the site would host seasonal festivals, limited primitive camping restricted to event periods and temporary vendors who must obtain county vendor permits. McCloud told the board events will typically end by 10 p.m. to comply with the county noise ordinance.

Several neighbors spoke; the closest resident who testified said noise was not a major concern during a trial gathering and that the project could provide local educational opportunities and modest economic benefits. The board approved the special exception with staff conditions requiring final site-plan review, compliance with stormwater and road encroachment permits, and provision of adequate temporary restroom facilities for events.

The approval is conditional on the applicant submitting required plans and permits to county staff before operations expand beyond small, occasional gatherings.