LOUISA POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE ROAD CLOSURES, DETOURS, PARKING AREAS, DROP-OFF AND PICK-UPS FOR HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS, AND PARADE ROUTE FOR 2023 LOUISA BICENTENNIAL SEPTEMBERFEST

UNFORTUNATELY, NUMEROUS PEOPLE SOUND OFF ON LPD SOCIAL MEDIA ABOOT THE ‘RIDICULOUS’ LOCATIONS OF PICKUPS & DROP-OFFS, LACK OF ACCESS FOR THOSE PERSONS HANDICAPPED

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 – written by WADE QUEEN

The Louisa Police Department announced throughout Thursday, September 7, providing mapping and directions for those who are planning to attend this year’s Louisa 2023 Bicentennial Septemberfest

The Louisa Police Department announced that Main Cross Streets will be closed at 5:00 P.M., on Thursday, September 7th for this year’s annual Septemberfest on Sunday afternoon.

Louisa Police also stated in a public notice, along with a simple street map seen below, that he would like to advise everyone in advance for everyone for their cooperation, that Vinson Street that runs behind the courthouse will be ONE WAY, heading north, during the Septemberfest. The traffic change will be made on Thursday evening, September 7, and will be also switched back on Sunday afternoon.

Louisa Police also announced the following about the parking at the Septemberfest. There will be FREE “walk in” parking available at approved parking lots in town. Below is a list of the areas and also a detailed map to help better guide individuals.

NO PARKING WILL BE ALLOWED AT THE DOWNTOWN DOLLAR GENERAL STORE OR AT KELLY BROTHERS FURNITURE !!!

WHITE SECTION – OVERFLOW PARKING ( NO shuttle provided)

OVERFLOW LOTS:

200 Town Hill Rd, Louisa, KY 41230 (Plaza, Sports complex, Old Foodland Building)

YELLOW SECTION – FREE WALK IN PARKING

At following locations:

301 W Pike St, Louisa, KY 41230 (First Baptist Church)

210 Pocahontas St, Louisa, KY 41230 (Faith Baptist Church)

101 W Pike St, Louisa, KY 41230 (Louisa Senior Citizen Center)

203 Water Street, Louisa, KY 41230 (Pioneer Rural Clinic)

GREEN SECTION – PRIVATE OWNED PAID PARKING

BLUE SECTION – Main Stage , Entertainment, Festival, food vendors and booths.

Louisa Police asked that everyone would please use good judgement and common sense. Do not park blocking driveways, the flow of traffic, or on private property that is not designated for parking or that you do not have permission to park on. Residents live in the area surrounding the festival and emergency vehicles need to be able to access everything, so be mindful when coming to the festival.

Louisa Police announced information on the SEPTEMBERFEST PARADE; as the line up begins at 9:00 AM., on Saturday in the plaza, with the parade starting at 11:00 A.M. The parade route will be the same as years past, running down Madison Street to Vinson Street, The parade ends at the intersection of KY. 2566 and KY. 3 (Food City intersection).

Finally, the Louisa Police Department announced in regards to areas only to drop off and to pick up handicapped individuals.

There are several designated handicap parking spots at privately owned parking lots along with handicap spots in the approved free parking lots.

This drop off/pick up location is to allow access to disabled people as close as possible to the stage area. If you are traveling alone with a disabled individual, feel free to contact the local police departments, the city fire department, or Septemberfest committee and they can arrange to help you with the process. Louisa Police hoped this information clarified the use of this spot.

Lastly; in references about the Septemberfest Handicap Zone; the Septemberfest will provide a Handicap Dropoff Zone same as last year behind the Dollar General on Vinson Street. (Limited to unloading and loading ONLY).

Meanwhile, over one hundred (100) people commented on the Louisa Police Department Facebook page about the parking and handicap options, nearly all negative in nature, stating in general that much of the parking, even with shuttles, were too far away; and that designated handicapped parking and access was also too far, but especially being too restrictive. Many said they themselves, or relatives and friends, all who are wanting to attend the Septemberfest, but they will not be able to do so at what they see as lack of good options to traverse around the city festival.

Well, I guess like the old saying goes–You can’t always please everyone.

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