Rainy Memorial Day weekend weather prompts event changes in metro and southern Indiana
Rainy weather is putting a damper on some Memorial Day weekend events across the Louisville metro and southern Indiana, forcing organizers and businesses to adjust while hoping crowds still show up.
At The Red Yeti in Jeffersonville, Memorial Day weekend is usually a busy stretch, especially during Abbey Road on the River, the Beatles-inspired festival held each year at Big Four Station Park.
“There are a lot of days in May that business is booming,” said Chris Meier, restaurant manager.
But this year, rain has cut into the usual festival bump.
“So far, the weather has taken a little bit of the usual big boom that we see,” Meier said.
Abbey Road on the River kicked off Thursday and runs for five days at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville. Organizers said the festival is expected to draw about 10,000 to 15,000 attendees.
Anna Rosales-Crone, communications manager with SoIN Tourism, said Friday’s turnout appeared lighter than usual, likely because of the weather, but organizers are optimistic that larger crowds will arrive later in the weekend.
“Saturday (to) Sunday is when we really see the bigger uptick in visitors coming in and in attendees coming in,” Rosales-Crone said.
The weather is also affecting other holiday weekend events.
Because of rising river levels and challenging currents, the city of Louisville has canceled the paddle portion of the Mayor’s annual Hike, Bike and Paddle event scheduled for Monday at Waterfront Park.
In Borden, Indiana, the Star Valley Strawberry Festival has been canceled after flooding at Borden Community Park. However, the Berry Run and Walk 5K is still scheduled for Saturday morning.
At Abbey Road on the River, Rosales-Crone said the festival has not been canceled despite the wet conditions, though some adjustments have been made.
“The festival has made a couple of tweaks to the schedule,” Rosales-Crone said.
