The City of Myrtle Beach began road closures on Thursday afternoon on parts of Ocean Blvd to begin the traffic diversion plan as bands set up for the 2018 Carolina Country Music Festival.
On Friday morning at starting at 8 a.m. 8th avenue North and 9th Avenue N. will be closed to drivers, with chain fences blocking the area. In April, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs & Ice Cream restaurant filed a lawsuit against the city, asking them to stop blocking off the road during the festival.
News 13 reached out to the restaurant, but they declined to comment.
While some business owners find the blockades to be damaging to business, others don’t find them to be a nuisance. Owners of the Midtown Hotel located on the corner of York and 8th Avenue North said they try to keep a close relationship with the festival organizers.
Guest Services Coordinator, Theresa Willy says families enjoy watching the concert from the hotel’s balconies, and some book reservations a year in advance.
“We love it, we have no problem with it, we enjoy it. We do as much as we can to work with them and work with the city to help them as much as we can.” said Whilly
General Manager of 8th Ave. Tiki Bar & Grill, Bentley Thurlow says while he understands why Nathan’s is frustrated, there’s still a chance for walk in traffic.
“We need as many events as possible, we have a three month season now. It’s not a 5-6 month season like it used to be.” Thurlow said.