For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Police Announce Logistics and Safety Protocols for Riverfront Music Festival

NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray and the Newburyport Police Department are announcing important information for those planning to attend the Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival this weekend.

The festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, at Waterfront Park, and attendees are asked to refrain from setting up chairs or blankets before 9 a.m. that day. Anything left in the park overnight before the event will be removed.

Police and medical command posts will be located on site, where visitors can report any issues that may arise throughout the day. The Newburyport Police Department will also have a large presence throughout the festival area.

“The Riverfront Festival is a tradition that makes our community as great as it is,” Marshal Murray said. “We’re looking forward to a fun event this year, and our officers will be working closely with our partner agencies to ensure the safety of everyone who attends.”

Those planning to attend the festival should use the following information as they plan their day.

Parking:

1. FREE shuttle provided by Coppola Bus Company courtesy of WXRV 92.5 The River: Shuttles will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. between the Custom House (25 Water St., Newburyport), which is adjacent to the concert location, and the following satellite parking lots:

• Mersen, 374 Merrimac St. (no cost to park)
• Rupert A. Nock Middle School, 70 Low St. (no cost to park)
• Henry Graf Jr, Memorial Skating Rink, 28 Low St. (no cost to park)
• Mark Richey Woodworking, 40 Parker St. (no cost to park)
• Newburyport MBTA Station, 25 Boston Way – Lot A ($2 to park for the day)2. Info about downtown Newburyport municipal parking:

• Parking in the City of Newburyport’s municipal lots on Green, Merrimac, Water, and Harris streets costs $25 (credit card only).
• The two-hour limit for on-street parking will be strictly enforced.

• Please visit the city’s website here for more information about municipal parking.3. Walking from satellite parking lots:

• Walking or biking along the City of Newburyport’s Clipper City Rail Trail is highly encouraged from two of the satellite parking lots, although the shuttle will also be making stops there. The walk from the following lots is approximately 15 minutes, and bike racks will be available for use in front of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s office at 38R Merrimac St. (adjacent to Port City Sandwich and the Black Cow)
• Henry Graf Jr. Memorial Skating Rink, 28 Low St., Newburyport (no cost to park)
• Mark Richey Woodworking, 40 Parker St., Newburyport (no cost to park)

Road Closures: 

• Merrimac Street will be closed from Green to State streets.
• The Route 1 southbound ramp to Merrimac Street in Newburyport will be closed to traffic, and drivers are encouraged to continue to the next intersection of Route 1 and Low Street. By turning right onto Low Street from Route 1 south, drivers will be better able to access satellite parking and the free shuttle bus.
• Extremely heavy traffic is expected throughout the event, so residents should plan ahead in order to avoid delays.

Lost And Found: 

• The visitor’s booth (adjacent to Metzy’s food truck) will be open and staffed during the day. Please check the booth during the concert for any lost or found items.
• Items that are left behind after the festival will be disposed of or recycled following the conclusion of the show.

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