HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) The controversy continues as Horry County Council members debate vendor permits for the extended spring bike rally in May.
Some council members are concerned about what the extended rally would mean for locals while hundreds of bikers are driving along our popular roads.
The big issue is how long vendors should be allowed to set up shop. Some council members said the permits should be eliminated altogether because they create large gatherings that block traffic and create safety concerns.
Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice said, "The proposal to extend the rally is unacceptable. We have too much to deal with, and I would prefer to see the rally shortened or the permits eliminated altogether."
Rice said Harley Davidson's decision to extend the dates of bike week could have negative effects here along the Grand Strand. Rice added that those who live near the south end of town are most concerned about the permits because many large groups gather near that end of town.
There was big debate among council members about the strain on law enforcement and emergency personnel if the events are extended plus the extra costs involved. Others are in favor of leaving the dates the way they stand now.
Those who deal with vendors said the date change itself will hurt businesses.
DeAnna Fryar said, "They plan a year in advance so that's where the dilemma comes in, what dates do you go with. So we opt to maintain the 11th through the 20th because of the short notice. Four months prior to an event like this, you have to be fair to the vendors traveling."
Others said they do not like that Myrtle Beach Harley is promoting the new dates, and they are protesting to prove a point.
Chris Panos with ABATE said, "We would have bike week, I believe, from the second week in May right through Memorial Day with no break in between and we didn't feel that was right. We were happy we had it at the first part of May and then at the end of May. We had bike fest so the people in between the two weeks had rest, quiet or peace."
Rice said County Council is trying to figure out the best way to handle the situation.
Rice stated, "One proposal that has a lot of favor is to keep it the way it is. Another is to shorten the length of the rally to three days or do away with permits altogether."
Horry County Council members do not set the dates for the rally. They determine what days vendor permits are allowed. Horry County Council members are going to vote on their final decision about the permits next week.
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