completed in 2013. On November 8, 2012 at a meeting of people involved in making the boardwalk possible, Mayor John Rhodes stated a goal of spending $20 million to extend the boardwalk to a length of . This would make the boardwalk longer than the one in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The city would ask companies and organizations to contribute the money. If the city approved the plan, the boardwalk would start two miles further south at Springmaid Pier, and it would end one mile farther north. Also, boardwalk designer Mike Wooten stated his interest in widening the boardwalk, which would require action by the South Carolina legislature. In 2013, a presentation was made to the city council. The Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation voted on April 16, 2014 to plan for a municipal improvement district in which extra property taxes would be paid. After this was approved in 2022, the revenue could be used for projects that would help downtown. Private sponsorships, however, were the preferred means of financing extensions. In 2022, $3.7 million in improvements were made to the boardwalk, including replacing southern yellow pine with weather-resistant composite materials and wooden railings in some areas. National attention Even during the boardwalk's construction, the national media showed interest in the boardwalk. CBS' The Early Show, including meteorologist Dave Price, broadcast live on May 14, 2010, the weekend of the official opening. Team Sandtastic made a sand sculpture of Price. Also, Cake Boss Buddy Valastro from TLC helped produce a 10-foot 1200-pound cake in the shape of a flip-flop, made in Hoboken, New Jersey, and delivered to the May opening ceremony. The episode aired October 25, 2010. Travel and Leisure named Myrtle Beach Boardwalk the number two boardwalk mainly because of the entertainers, and The Today Show featured the report. On July 14, 2010, National Geographic ranked the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk behind the boardwalks at Atlantic City, New Jersey and Coney Island, and calling it "the town's hub of activity". Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president Brad Dean estimated that publicity resulting from the boardwalk reached the equivalent of more than $1 million. Festivals Boardwalk Fright Nights - A Halloween themed festival. Carolina Country Music Festival - A country music festival, consisting of famous country music artists. Sun Fun Festival - A festival to kick off the summer season, consists of music, entertainment, and food. Reception Visitors have given