Hundreds of out-of-area officers are heading to the Grand Strand this week to help patrol Memorial Day weekend, and local police say they will be trained to make sure they know how to handle the incredibly large crowds.

In the months and weeks leading up to Memorial Day weekend, Grand Strand police officers have received additional training – including cultural awareness training – to make sure they are prepared for the influx of people heading to town, many of whom will be black.

Atlantic Beach Bikefest, which starts Friday, began in 1980 as a rally for black motorcyclists and has grown over the years and expanded into other parts of the Grand Strand.