Attention, City of Plymouth locals and visitors: Prepare for a packed weekend as the annual Waterfront Festival descends upon Plymouth. Set to transform Water Street into a hub of activity, the festivities will run from 10AM to 6PM on Saturday, August 23, as detailed in a notice from the Plymouth Police Department. But it's not just artisan stalls and food vendors that'll cram the streets—a car show is also slated to rev engines between Memorial Drive and Brewster Street until 4PM.
For those planning to attend, be mindful that various parking restrictions are set to quickly go into effect. "No Overnight Parking" on Water Street from the Rotary to Union Street will start sharply at midnight, and come 5AM, any vehicle parked in violation ready to be ticketed and towed. With road closures spanning Water Street from Union to Brewster and several other arteries blocked off as early as 6AM, the police urge travelers to make travel plans early to prevent getting caught in the inevitable snarl.
Limited handicap parking will be available on Water Street between the Rotary and Memorial Drive, an accommodation to note if accessibility is a concern. The public is advised to brace for significant delays and, if possible, to avoid the area altogether unless partaking in the event. "Staff and Patrons should plan accordingly" for the constraints on vehicle access to businesses along Water Street, as the police stressed in their announcement.
The local government hopes to temper potential frustration with clear communication of the changes. Parking will be prohibited on North Street between Carver and Water Street, with Water Street's section from Memorial Drive to Brewster Street to be closed starting at 7AM for the car show. Behind Memorial Hall, the public lot remains open, but all traffic will be directed out toward Court Street. The Police Department has indicated that all parking restrictions will coincide with the times of road closures to ensure better traffic management during the festivities.
With an alternate rain date of Sunday, August 24, the festival is determined to push forward, come drizzle or downpour. Local businesses and regular patrons should factor in these disruptions to their weekend calculus. For further details on road closures and festival activities, the Plymouth Police Department’s official release is available for consultation.
