The Annual Arts and Crafts Festival in Fairhope, an Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event, brings more than 250,000 visitors to Fairhope and the entire area for the three day event, March 20, 21 and 22, 2008. Most people know that, unless they arrive real early in the morning, they won't find a parking spot, and may find themselves driving up and down narrow thoroughfares throughout the quaint neighborhoods.
In an effort to ensure smooth traffic flow and alleviate parking problems, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce recommends festival goers utilize the shuttle service provided by BRATS (Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System). The shuttle will cost $1.00 each way.
Free parking will be provided at several convenient locations near the downtown Fairhope area, where the festival takes place: Plantation Pointe Shopping Center, Ecor Rouge Place and the Eastern Shore Village Shopping Center. All of the parking locations are less than a five-minute ride away.
The City of Fairhope is providing 20 parking spaces on Bancroft Avenue for handicapped people. Once those are filled, they recommend handicapped drivers park and ride the shuttle services.
The festival hours are from 10 am to 5 pm daily, and the shuttle service will continue to operate until most visitors are out of the area within a reasonable amount of time.
