Smooth traffic planned for Bend of the River Event

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Downtown Mankato will see another event this Saturday. Bend of the River Fall Festival will take place at Vetter Stone Amphitheater and local businesses are preparing for a flux of people but the event has triggered questions around the current Riverfront Drive construction and how attendees can get to the event.

Bend of the River is back for its third year this weekend... and this year it will be held in the middle of downtown construction.

But Owner Jerry Braam has worked with the city to ensure a smooth experience - planning ahead for the traffic and parking, including a map for entrance locations.

“There’s access here on Elm St to come across. There’s handicap parking inside there, but up and down the side streets and even down on River Front there’s ample parking for the event. No different than really any other year, other than the fact that there’s two intersections that are closed to the north of us, but we just shift our focus a little to the south.”

Braam adds that the construction doesn’t stop the bigger event from any of its main attractions and it may have created a safer entrance for pedestrians.

“It’s not going to stop the tour buses from getting here, it’s not going to stop the people from getting to the event or leaving the event. And um, with the road being closed down, if you want to look at safety, it’s probably a little safer because we don’t have traffic going up and down Riverfront here. People can walk across freely so that’ maybe even a benefit.”

Riverfront has certainly seen a quiet summer due to the major construction but some businesses see the finished product right around the corner.

“It’s been kind of a rough summer. I know they’ve been working hard out there trying to get it done, but we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Although customer traffic has been down this summer, Winter says this event comes at a good time, especially with more sidewalks providing access to businesses.

“I’m really excited about it I mean pride was a couple weeks ago too, but this is going to be even more people than that and the road is even more open than it was, even like for RibFest. So we’re looking forward to more foot traffic.”

Even Braam is happy that there are additional benefits to the event, despite the few bumps in the road.

“We work hand-in-hand with all the businesses here in town so I think it’s good for everybody.”

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