With all the headlines reading Myrtle Beach banns bikeweek and Myrtle Beach legislates away Bike Weeks, I've was really concerned about evening coming down here for this event. I skipped the first of the bike weeks which is Harley Davidson sponsored because they increased the vendor permits and shortened the time we could sell. I'm glad I did because everyone I've talked to here including waitresses, other vendors, and store owners, are all saying the same thing, it was the worst Bike Week ever.
I hated to hear that as that means the ignorant government of Myrtle Beach "wins" in one respect. They may have one by affecting the turnout but they sure have lost big on the money spent in their town. I ran into a lawyer at dinner one night and they are drafting a suit against the city on behalf of the restaraunt and hospitality association here. Turns out that over $350 million dollars in lost revenue was reported just within the city limits of Myrtle Beach...it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. I think much damage is done though.
Black Bike Week is off to a slow start at the venue but boy the bikes are out in force on the "strip". It was good to see the traffic full and heavy with bikers. Our sales have been down but today and tomorrow may be our busier days...we'll see. We didn't realize it but the promoter here is charging a $10 gate fee just to come in and shop which really isn't right. The promoter got good money from the vendors to set up and now is trying to double dip with the attendees. He has hurt us and himself as we won't come back unless our show does well and generally this doesn't work.
Two days to go here and then it's on to Lake George, New York for Americade!
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