Police encourage safety as thousands expected for return of Atlantic Beach Bikefest

ATLANTIC BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Bikefest returns to the Grand Strand this weekend, and thousands are expected to make their way down to the Atlantic Beach area.

“I think it’s the biggest bike fest on the East Coast,” said Stephen “Too Short” Crockett, who’s been attending the event for over 30 years. “You can expect a crowd and can expect to go to jail if you don’t act right.”

First held by the Carolina Knight Riders in 1980 with just 100 bikers, family and friends, this year’s event will mark the first in a couple of years due to cancellations connected to COVID-19.

There will be food and other vendors along 30th Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard.

While bikers are getting ready for the festivities, the Atlantic Beach Police Department is also preparing for its biggest event of the year.

“We’ll have highway patrol, SLED, DNR and other agencies in the state of South Carolina that will come down here to help us this year,” said Atlantic Beach Police Chief Quentin Robinson.

Robinson also said all agencies involved want to ensure attendees have a safe time throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning there is always something to do.

“There’s a lot to do. They’ve got rides up and down the strip, helicopter rides, you can do a lot of stuff down here besides riding a bike,” said Eric Ward, marking his 27th Bikefest.

Bikefest, which is also known as the Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, will also feature a variety of events throughout the weekend, including:

Friday, May 27 - Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival Opening and musical celebration
Saturday, May 28 - Commemorative Motorcycle Ride with the Carolina Knight Riders, Oral History and Reflections with the Knight Riders, Bike Judging Parade, the Trophy Celebration
Sunday, May 29 - Gospel Explosion, Fashion Show and Finale Mix and Mingle BikerParade

Officials have some advice if you are headed down this weekend.

“Look out for the cars and other bikers. Make sure you check your blind spots, make sure you do the speed limit and make sure you don’t drink and drive,” said Robinson.

Bikefest kicks off Friday at 3 p.m., with events shutting down by 3 a.m. each night through Monday.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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