Here’s a reminder list for those going to Music Fest – tips to help you stay safe and have a good time.
- Wear sunscreen. Saturday and Sunday look like they’re going to be sunny days… easy to get burned if you forget to protect your skin.
- Carry a disposable rain poncho. You can buy little disposable ponchos for two or three bucks that are small enough when folded to fit in a pocket or purse. These come in real handy if it rains. A lot of the gift shops on Beale Street sell these. I believe Downtown Walgreens does too.
- Take an allergy pill if you have allergies. Grass pollen is really, really high right now, and you’re going to get plenty of it at Tom Lee Park.
- Don’t buy tickets from scalpers on the street. Ticketmaster has a new e-mail delivery system for tickets, which is really cool because you don’t have to go pick them up or stand in a “will call” line. But, because the tickets can now be printed out on a color printer, they’re easier than ever for scammers to copy. Memphis in May scans the bar codes on the tickets and knows when someone is trying to get in on a ticket that’s already been used.
- Make sure you know what you can and can’t carry into the park. Here’s a complete list. Cameras are allowed, but professional cameras and cameras with detachable lenses are not. Backpacks larger than 12″ x 12″ are not allowed this year. It can really suck to park half a mile from Music Fest, walk all the way down there and then be told that you have to walk back to your car to put up items you can’t bring in.
- Know your transportation options. Here’s a list. Drinking and driving = very bad idea, the cops will be out watching for it. Trolleys will run extra late for Music Fest (’til 2 Fri and Sat and ’til 11 Sunday).
- If you park in a garage, make sure you pay the real attendant. Fake parking attendant scams are numerous in Downtown Memphis.
- If you park in a metered space, do not pay anyone to park there. Metered spaces on the street do not have attendants. If you park before 6 PM Friday, put enough money in the meter to pay through 6 PM. After 6 on Friday metered parking is free for the remainder of the weekend.
- Don’t give money to panhandlers. Most likely you are not “helping the homeless” by doing this, but enabling someone’s addiction. If you feel the need to help the homeless, you’ll do a lot more good by donating to the Union Mission, Calvary Episcopal Church or other organizations that aid the homeless Downtown. Just say “sorry, I can’t help you” and keep moving if approached. If they get aggressive call Downtown safety patrol at 281-9146 and give them a description of the person.
- Look for the Blue Suede Brigade if you need directions or have questions. These are the CCC’s Downtown ambassadors who can be spotted in their white shirts and white hats. They can answer whatever questions you have. Beware of panhandlers who try to act as tour guides.
- Don’t leave anything valuable in your car. I’m not just talking about big-ticket items here. Even something as insignificant as a CD or a pile of loose change left visible can lead to a broken window.
- Don’t take shortcuts down alleys. I understand that you may be parking several blocks away and you’ll be in a hurry to get to Tom Lee Park, but alleys should be avoided. Walk where it’s well-lit and well-traveled.
I don’t mean to scare anyone with those last few bullet points… Downtown Memphis is generally very safe. I’ve lived down here more than 6 years and have never had a problem. Just be aware of your surroundings, stay safe, and have fun.