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TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — The Crush Reloaded festival launched its weekend-long celebration with an exciting welcome party in the heart of Savannah.
Previously known as Orange Crush, Crush Reloaded is set to attract a massive crowd to both Tybee Island and Savannah, drawing thousands of participants eager to join in the festivities.
Steven Smalls, the CEO and founder of Crush Reloaded, anticipates surpassing last year’s impressive turnout of 30,000 attendees.
“Reloaded signifies a new chapter with fresh leadership,” Smalls explained. “My goal is to ensure we maintain organization, collaborate effectively with the city, and manage the event smoothly while keeping everyone entertained on the beach.”
Smalls has been actively coordinating with officials from Tybee Island and local law enforcement to ensure the event’s success and a safe experience for all involved.
Tybee mayor Brian West said the Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) are being assisted by multiple jurisdictions, including the Chatham County and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and more.
The Savannah Police Department (SPD) is also increasing their presence in downtown Savannah, SGT. Joshua Flynn with SPD said.
“We’re assisting in some capacity where people come back into town. We will be there to assist and make sure that everybody is safe coming downtown,” Flynn said.
Saturday’s beach music festival is the main attraction and is expected to draw large crowds.
Tybee mayor Brian West said several side roads and parking areas will be closed. However, the city created a continuous U-turn traffic flow plan to help keep cars moving.
“The parking lots were disaster zones,” West said. “So, we’re blocking out parking down here as well [as around the Pier], but it makes it very difficult because there’s nowhere to park. So, we are going to pull back a little bit this year and allow more parking on.”
Officials advise you to plan ahead if you head to Tybee Island during Crush Reloaded, as there is only one way on and off the island.