Royal Oak Readies For Festival Crowds

Thousands of people will flock to downtown Royal Oak over the four-day, Labor Day weekend, for Arts, Beats & Eats. The annual event has changed venues from Pontiac to Royal Oak for the 2010 celebration.

WWJ's Ron Dewey spoke with Royal Oak resident, Greg Nasto, who is looking forward to the party being in his 'backyard' so to speak, "it's going to be fun, I live and work here, so I'm curious to see how well they are going to keep this organized."

Other area resident's like Jill Horner, were curious as to how this is all going to work and showed a little more concern, saying, "I will attend at least one day, but I'm a little apprehensive about the sheer amount of people that will be going through this area."

Whatever the concerns, Royal Oak has spent considerable time and effort to make the parking a non-issue for AB&E- goers. 

Permits will be required for street parking in Royal Oak neighborhoods with police saying that violators will be ticketed. Parking meters will also be closed.

However, thousands of parking spaces will be open for business. Parking will be available in downtown Royal Oak lots and structures for $15.  Parking will also be available at near-downtown lots for $15.  Off-site parking for $10 will be available at the Royal Oak High School and Hazel Park Raceway, St. Mary's Church on Lafayette will forego Saturday mass and sell spaces in the parking lot for the festival.  

CLICK HERE for more detailed parking information.

For festival hours and all the event details visit this link.