The weather in Myrtle Beach is so fantastic in May that they have to celebrate all month long. This year, Mayfest’s usual offerings of food, arts and crafts, and entertainment for all ages also will be marked by a star-studded lineup of celebrity appearances.

First off, if you have teenagers in your family, they’ll be excited to hear that Alex Meraz, who plays Paul in the The Twilight Saga, will be doing free meet-and-greets on May 1 as part of the city’s Arts and Film Celebration. Trust me, bringing your daughter to an event where she has a chance to actually speak to “Paul” might just make you the most popular parent in the world. Later that day, Twilight: New Moon will be the free outdoor movie. You also will be able to meet Catherine Bell of TV’s Army Wives, enjoy some great R&B and jazz bands, and at the end of the day, the whole family can gather on the beach for some fireworks.

Myrtle Beach also is celebrating the grand opening of its new oceanfront boardwalk. On May 15, Buddy Valastro, TLC’s “Cake Boss” will be on view as he creates a beach-themed cake in the shape of a flip flop for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The weekend also will include free beach music and more fireworks.

Finally, on Memorial Day weekend, the festivities will be kicked off by a free concert by American Idol Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks. There also will be a number of concerts and meet-and-greets with a host of teen stars from Disney and Nickelodeon. The events will culminate in a great Memorial Day Parade. Your kids might know the Grand Marshal as that old guy who just got kicked off “Dancing with the Stars,” but he’s better remembered as the pilot of Apollo 11 and the second man to walk on the moon -- NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin. For more information on Mayfest visit www.MyrtleBeachMayfest.com.