15-05-2025
Tally shows even number of opinions for parking at Lilac Festival
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As day seven of Rochester's Lilac Festival kicks off with thousands enjoying the food, music, and flowers, some have expressed frustrations about the parking situation.
News 8's Adelisa Badzic spent the morning asking people the question, 'Was parking easy today?'
18 answered yes, and 16 answered no. The main answer for the 'no' was because the grass parking lots were closed. The festival organizers said this is due to the wet ground and want to preserve the historic park.
The Rochester Lilac Festival shared a statement on Thursday that said, 'Monroe County Parks is closely monitoring the condition of the grass parking lots at the Rochester Lilac Festival grounds and will make closure decisions as needed to protect the long-term health of the park.'
We spoke with festival goers who shared their experiences, and Kayla Ellis said she parks on the same street every year without issue and has less than a minute walk.
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In the meantime, Kent Glover told News 8 he wasn't able to find a spot because so many were closed. However, he did park at a local business, paid $10, and even got an incentive for a discount if he was to dine in there.
Those who work in the area told News 8 they are lucky to work so close and not have to deal with the parking, and can just walk onto Highland Park grounds.
The Lilac Festival encourages people to use other forms of transportation, and the festival shuttles are available on the weekends.
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