Monday, Atlantic Beach town council discussed its Memorial Day Bikefest for the first time since the event.
“This is something that this community wants to see continued,” said Atlantic Beach Mayor, Jake Evans.
Mayor Evans says Atlantic Beach had a good turnout for Bikefest.
While in town last week, Governor Nikki Haley said there was a big improvement at this year’s Bikefest in large part to the added law enforcement.
However, the AP reports Governor Haley is trying to work with the town to put an end to the event and bring in more tourism dollars in other areas.
News 13 asked Mayor Evans if he would consider the proposal.
“My thought would be the same that it was last year at this time,” he said. “That’s {the offer} putting it out there as a bribe. That’s {Bikefest} something that’s a part of the history of the town of Atlantic Beach since 1980″
The town’s preliminary numbers say in total, Atlantic Beach made a net profit of $28,000 dollars from Bikefest
.
By comparison, Myrtle Beach spent nearly $1 million on traffic cones and barriers it used during the weekend which officials have said they will use for other events.
Evans says Bikefest is not about money; it represents the history of Atlantic Beach.
He says he has not been approached by anyone from the governor’s office to cancel the event.
However, he does say if approached he would want to work with the office to continue improving Bikefest.
“Who knows we may be able to reap some larger profits next year,” he said.
Mayor Evans says next year will be the 50th anniversary of Atlantic Beach.
He says next year’s Bikefest will represent the historical culture of the town.