Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kim Foster, Public Relations Coordinator - (573) 442-5862, kfoster@thumperentertainment.com

Lt. Brian Richenberger, Columbia Police Department - (573) 424-0601

Downtown traffic and parking for Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival

COLUMBIA, MO (September 23, 2010) - As the community welcomes residents and visitors for the Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival October 1 -2, city officials offer advice for those coming to or passing through the downtown area. The patience of citizens and business owners is appreciated.

Closed Streets
The following streets will be closed starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, through 2 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3.
• Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets between Broadway and Locust Street
• Seventh Street between Cherry and Elm streets
• Cherry Street between Fourth and Seventh streets
• Locust Street between Sixth and Ninth streets
• Elm Street between Sixth and Eighth streets

Barricades
Streets with barricades will be manned by volunteers to assist visitors.

Parking
During Festival hours, free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in all city garages, lots and at parking meters on open streets. Festival hours run from 5 -11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, and from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2. Those who hold city parking permits are not guaranteed a space during the Festival.

Parking is available at the university’s north campus garages.

Shakespeare’s Pizza will provide complimentary bike valet parking at the corner of Ninth and Elm streets.

Visitors are encouraged to use shuttles running every half-hour from the University of Missouri Reactor Field on Providence Road to the Columbia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at Providence Road and Elm Street. Adult fare is $3, and children under 12 may ride free. Shuttle hours are: 4 -11:45 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m. Saturday. More information on parking shuttles can be found in the “FAQ” section on the festival’s website, www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com.

Vehicles will be subject to towing and city parking enforcement under the following conditions: when it’s a matter of public safety, fire safety or hazardous conditions, such as blocking an entrance or exit; when a street is closed; or when a “no parking” notice is posted on meters or other areas.

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