MYRTLE BEACH, SC- Thousands of bikers headed home Monday as Memorial Day Weekend Bike Fest wrapped up.
Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes said he spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday night patrolling the streets.
“I saw a tremendous change,” said Rhodes.
He said the increased law enforcement was a big help, but he was most pleased with visitors.
“The attitudes of the people were more positive,” stated Rhodes.
While positive attitudes made for a calmer weekend, it didn’t make for a profitable one. Dixie Beverage Owner Barry Morrison said his store’s sales were down 20%, compared to previous years. He described this year’s event as quiet.
“I expected it to be busier than what it was,” said Morrison.
Fontainebleau Inn Property Manager Nikki Smith agreed the weekend was calmer than normal. Smith said she appreciated the police presence, but felt the 23 mile traffic loop and barriers were too much.
“Customers couldn’t get to us,” said Smith.
Memorial Day Weekend is the busiest, according to Smith. She said several small businesses rely on Bike Fest for revenue Smith told News 13 she only had 4 of 47 rooms booked Friday night.
Mayor Rhodes said a lot of tweaking has to be done to the loop for next year, but overall the loop did its job.
“The emergency lane gave us an opportunity for us to be at any location quickly,” he said.
Mayor Rhodes said he’ll have to sit down with Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies to fully understand how the weekend went; however, he feels the city is on the right track for next year.