News Summary
The Orange Crush Festival is making its return on April 19, 2023, with one-day events scheduled from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. After 35 years, the festival has gained conditional approval from organizers and city officials. Enhanced security measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth operation of the event, with a budget of $215,000 allocated for law enforcement and other logistical needs. The festival promises to be a significant celebration for the community, with events tied to the Orange Crush trademark set to take place in nearby Savannah.
Tybee Island Ready for Orange Crush Festival After 35 Years
The Orange Crush Festival is set to return on April 19 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a conditional approval obtained by organizer Steven Smalls and trademark owner George Turner III. This marks the first time the event has been permitted since it began in 1988.
Key Details:
- The festival was initially proposed as a three-day event but has been shortened to one day.
- Unpermitted promoters and associated events have created challenges in previous years.
- Brittain Wigfall is a promoter linked to last year’s problematic gatherings.
- Wigfall tried to secure a permit for a food truck festival last year, which was denied.
- Smalls states that misunderstandings with promoters have been addressed, and they will operate under a unified structure.
Notably, events associated with the Orange Crush trademark will take place in Savannah, not on Tybee Island.
Security Measures:
Tybee Island officials have amended the city budget, allocating up to $215,000 for festival-related security measures. This funding will cover:
- Overtime pay for law enforcement
- Food and staff costs
- Port-a-potties
- Parking barriers
- Fencing for a towing yard
The city requires that all permit conditions be met by March 19. Failure to comply may result in the denial of the festival permit. Local officials also hold the authority to recover costs from any promoters who do not comply, but have yet to exercise this option.
Last year’s Orange Crush event was considered successful, with fewer traffic and crowd management issues reported. For more information on the festival and related events, visit organgecrushtybee.com.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tybee Island Faces Economic Challenges from Unusual Winter Weather
Tybee Island Gears Up for Orange Crush Spring Break Bash
Tybee Island Prepares for the Annual Orange Crush Festival
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now
- Wikipedia: Orange Crush Festival
- WTOC
- Google Search: Orange Crush Festival
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: Orange Crush Festival
- Fox 28 Savannah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orange Crush Festival
- WSB TV
- Google News: Orange Crush Festival
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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