First Carolina RockFest Approved in Myrtle Beach
After initially being denied a permit, the Carolina RockFest received approval from city officials during the Myrtle Beach City Council workshop on September 22. The event is now set for April 30-May 2 at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place.
Economic Impact Considerations
Assistant City Manager Josh Bruegger highlighted the potential economic benefits of the festival, emphasizing strong demand from the business community for such events. Estimates suggest the festival could generate approximately $20-25 million for the local economy in its first year, growing more over time.
Revised Plans Addressing City Concerns
Originally planned for early May at the Myrtle Beach Mall, Southern Entertainment, the firm behind the festival, modified their plans to reduce the demand for city resources. Festival co-founder Bob Durkin assured that RockFest would be smaller than the Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), requiring only 98 city staff daily, compared to 129 for CCMF.
Concerns About City Resources
Despite the adjustments, city officials still expressed worries about the strain on resources. Bruegger suggested potentially capping attendance at 18,000 to ensure manageable operations. Some council members inquired about holding the event in the fall, but Durkin explained that fall events face risks due to unpredictable weather and potential hurricane cancellations.
Next Steps
Southern Entertainment will need to secure a special event permit from the Special Events Committee before finalizing plans. Council members emphasized the urgency of moving forward with preparations.
