Posted on September 28, 2017
Downtown streets to be blocked off today
By Tia Lyons
Staff Writer
Crews will begin blocking off downtown areas and streets this afternoon in preparation for two large events that are expected to bring throngs of visitors into town over the next several days.
The grand opening of the Murphy Arts District began last night. The 30th anniversary celebration of MusicFest kicks off Friday.
Both events will roll through Sunday.
Initially, streets were not going to be blocked for MusicFest — which would have been a first in 30 years.
However, Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado — who presents MusicFest —, said plans changed course a bit after ongoing conversations between Main Street, MAD and the El Dorado police and fire departments.
“Main Street will be open only for shuttles and (the El Dorado Trolley) for safety reasons,” Brumley said.
In the downto wn area, Main Street will be open between North West Avenue and Washington Avenue.
Vehicles will then be directed to turn south on Washington to Cedar and then to Cleveland.
Shuttle services and carpoolers will be allowed to drop off their passengers in the area of Main and Washington and exit the area by going south.
Crews will begin blocking some areas around the Union County Courthouse at 3 p.m. today as setup for MusicFest starts.
They will begin blocking streets around the festival perimeter at 5 p.m.
For more information, call the Main Street office at 870-862-4747 or MAD at 870-863-4547.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.