News Summary

On April 17, 2024, Tybee Island will host its annual Easter sunrise service at the pier following the Orange Crush Festival. The service begins at 6:30 a.m., shortly before the sunrise at 6:49 a.m. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coffee. Parking arrangements have been implemented to accommodate the influx of attendees, ensuring ease of access for the service while maintaining safety protocols post-festival. Local churches will participate in the service, enhancing the community spirit of this cherished tradition.

Tybee Island Gears Up for Easter Sunrise Service Following Orange Crush Festival

Tybee Island is set to host its annual Easter sunrise service on the beach shortly after the conclusion of the Orange Crush Festival.

Sunrise Service Details

• Date: April 17, 2024
• Start Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m.
• Sunrise: 6:49 a.m.
• Location: Tybee Island Pier
• Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coffee.

Parking Information

The city has a parking plan in place for the Orange Crush Festival that closely resembles last year’s arrangements:

• Both nearby pier parking lots will be closed.
• On-street parking on Butler Avenue will be restricted.
• Parking available for the sunrise service in the 14th, 15th, and 16th street parking lots.

City Marshal and Director of Code Enforcement, Walter Hattrich, confirmed teams will work to open parking lots on the night of April 16.

Participating Churches

Several local churches are involved in facilitating the sunrise service:

• Chapel By the Sea Baptist Church
• St. Michael’s Catholic Church
• Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church
• The Bar Church
• All Saints Episcopal Church

A Methodist minister will deliver the sermon, supported by a small choir from the Bar Church performing five hymns. Two laypeople will also read scripture passages during the service.

Orange Crush Festival Overview

The Orange Crush Festival has been celebrated annually since 1988, initially involving students from Savannah State University. Following safety concerns in 1991, the festival transitioned to a community-driven event largely promoted through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

City Council Efforts and Safety Measures

The Tybee Island City Council has allocated over $200,000 to enhance safety measures for the festival, aiming to improve crowd control and traffic management:

• Fencing will be installed to maintain traffic flow and minimize parking issues.
• This year, the festival will occur only on the Saturday before Easter.

Mayor Brian West advised attendees to have alternative transportation plans due to expected traffic congestion. Access for emergency vehicles is critical, necessitating continuous traffic movement, which could lead to delays.

2024 Expectations

Reports from the previous year indicate the festival was relatively problem-free, and officials remain hopeful for a similarly successful event in 2024.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Parking for Easter Sunrise Service
• WSAV: Tybee Island Orange Crush Safety Budget
• Savannah Now: Tybee Island Weather for Orange Crush
• Wikipedia: Orange Crush
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Easter