Memphis In May $70M impact kicks off with music fest - WMC Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee

(WMC) - More than 100,000 will pack Tom Lee Park, and the event's impact reverberates well beyond the river.

The first of thousands entered Beale Street Music Fest just after 5 p.m. on Friday. This weekend, it's all about rocking and rolling on the river, and there has not been better weather for it in a while.

Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau President Kevin Kane says most hotel rooms are taken.

"I mean, this festival really is the kick off for our tourism season for this community, and obviously tourism is such an important anchor," he said.

Memphis In May officials estimate their month-long series of events have a $70 million plus economic impact on the city, which benefits businesses well beyond Tom Lee Park, like new downtown restaurant DejaVu.

The staff here hope their first Memphis In May means plenty of spillover traffic.

"Just to enjoy the hospitality, enjoy the food, enjoy the fun, and that's basically it," said waiter Marchelah Hogan.

There is plenty of security down as always, and officials say you should check the website so you know what is and is not allowed in the park. Follow the link to get to their website: http://www.memphisinmay.org/musicfestival.

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