Story Published:
Jul 10, 2009 at 4:55 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 10, 2009 at 4:58 PM EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) – Fort Wayne’s 41st Three River’s festival kicks off Saturday but hundreds of people ware working behind the scenes to ensure a great experience.
Dozens of workers are pulling cables for concert stages and inspecting carnival rides for what festival officials say will be record breaking crowds.
"Parade itself we are expecting 60,000 people or more," said festival Executive Director Mayumi Carboni.
Carboni says low prices are expected to bring more families this year.
"Bring $30 to $40 for the entire family, maybe a family of 4 for food and then parking all included," Carboni said.
That money could pay to play carnival games, and a quick spin on a few rides. But organizers say don't forget about food ally.
“The kids faces when they’re eating is great,” said Ron Egolf. Egolf has sold snow cones at the festival for 10 years. He says it’s one of the staples. But he does enjoy other vendor’s food items.
"I've tried just about everything down her and I like the corndogs,” said Egolf. “So I think corndogs and ice. That's my favorite right there."
The festival opens to the public Friday at 6 p.m. when venders begin offering everything from a hobo potato to burgers and ice cream.
The festival's official kick off begins Saturday morning at 10, when the parade will wind through the city's west central neighborhoods.
If you can't make it, be sure to tune in to 21 Alive for full coverage.
Below is a list of road closures for the festival.
Grand Prix events will close West Main Street from Harrison Street to Ewing Street from 6 p.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday.
East Main Street from Clinton Street to Lafayette Street, Bar Street from Main Street to Berry Street and South Clinton Street’s left lane by Headwaters Park will be closed from the Clinton Street bridge to Superior Street from 7 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. July 19.

Three Rivers Parade will close the following streets:
West Wayne Street from Thieme Drive to Broadway
West Main Street from Runnion Avenue to Clinton Street
Van Buren Street from Superior Street to Berry Street
Fairfield Avenue from Superior Street to Wayne Street
Ewing Street from Wayne Street to Main Street
Harrison Street from Wayne Street to Main Street
Calhoun Street from Wayne Street to Superior Street
Berry Street from Clinton Street to Fairfield Avenue
East Main Street from Lafayette Street to Clinton Street
Superior Street from Clinton Street to Harrison Street
Barr Street from Main Street to Berry Street
The following streets will be closed all day Saturday:
Ewing Street from Baker Street to Jefferson Boulevard
Harrison Street from Douglas Avenue to Jefferson Boulevard
Webster Street from Douglas Avenue to Brackenridge Street
Douglas Avenue from Harrison to Webster streets
Brackenridge Street from Webster to Ewing streets
Jefferson Boulevard’s two right-hand lanes from Ewing to Harrison streets
(© Copyright 2009 Indiana's NewsCenter. All Rights Reserved.)
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