Atlantic Beach Bike Fest Ignites Festivities, Affects Local Commerce
Festive mood permeates Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach Bike Fest, a famous annual event, ushered in its vibrant festivities once again today. The robust sounds of motorcycles echoed down Ocean Boulevard, effectively drawing both locals and tourists to witness this spectacle. Thrilled attendees explored nearby establishments, adding to the overall energy of the memorable occasion.
One ardent festival-goer, Starr Warren, made a 12-hour drive from Virginia primarily to immerse herself in this bike-lover haven. “I’m looking forward to shopping and drinking. I’m so glad I am here this year. I couldn’t sleep, I just said to drive all the way down. I am so excited,” an enthusiastic Warren remarked. Her love affair with the festival initially blossomed last year, prompting her return.
Local Business Faces Struggles
While the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest proves to be a magnet for enthusiasts like Warren, some local businesses happen to bear the brunt. Notable among them is the Boardwalk Gift Shop, located conspicuously on the corner of 9th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard.
Despite making concerted preparations for the big weekend, employee Aliyanna Lovett conveys that business has been dreary. In her eyes, the traffic loop enforced for the event is a major factor impeding their business flow. Traffic from 29th Avenue North to the vicinity of the Crown Reef Resort area of Ocean Boulevard is directed only in the southbound lane, with northbound lanes being reserved for emergency vehicles.
Bearing witness to a significant decline in customers, Lovett remarked, “This whole thing should be full, there should be people walking up and down, there should be people standing on the side of the road watching bikes and enjoying themselves. There should be people on the balconies of the bars drinking and looking at bikes, but it’s like a ghost town, it’s so weird.”
Safety Concerns Arise
Coinciding with the festival’s flair, safety concerns have inevitably arisen. Myrtle Beach Police reported a crash incident on 62nd Avenue North around 7:45 p.m., resulting in two people being transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The Atlantic Beach Bike Fest continues to be a celebrated occasion igniting excitement in countless bike enthusiasts but as the festivities soar, such incidents remind us of the need to infuse safety into the jubilation.
This report underscores the dual nature of significant events like the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest. As the festival forges ahead, HERE News Network will remain committed to keeping its readers updated with relevant developments.
