TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () – One of the most talked-about spring-break festivals in the southeast is heading to Tybee Island this weekend, but it hasn’t been without its fair share of controversy.

The Orange Crush Festival started in 1988 as a spring break event for Savannah State University students. It now draws thousands of people, mainly from historically black colleges and universities, to Tybee Island.

The multi-day event includes concerts, block parties, talent shows, and contests. While Savannah State originally sponsored it, it became an independent event, sparking several issues.

Last year, Tybee Island reported 54 arrests and 111 traffic citations during Orange Crush weekend.

The first day saw multiple drug arrests, including the arrest of three people after finding marijuana, edibles, mushroom candy, and over five grand in cash during a traffic stop.

In another case, a driver ran off after being pulled over near Highway 80. Officers used PepperBall’s to try to get him out from under a house, but he got away.

With the event now permitted, organizers are working with the city to keep things safe and organized. Today, there is a final meeting to lay out plans and call for volunteers to help make it all possible.

Barricades are already in place for a crowded weekend ahead. Now, roads along the Island will remain open throughout the week, but this is just one of the many steps the city is taking to prepare. Another where you could help by stepping in: a beach cleaning volunteer.

This year, the event is being reimagined with a focus on safety, cleanup, and cooperation.
Part of the permit requires the organizers to clean the beach, but they’ll likely need extra hands.
That’s why volunteers are being called on to help Saturday night, starting at 7 p.m., to prepare for Easter services.

Those who help will get a festival t-shirt, brunch, and an all-access pass. With added lighting and more organization, this year the City hopes to keep both the party and the beach in good shape.

“Part of the permit requires them to provide beach cleanup, but we feel they will probably need help. So, anyone that wants to come down and volunteer at night, we are going to have the beach lighted up so we can see everything, and we want to make sure that everything is cleaned up because we are going to have sunrise services here Sunday morning,” explained Mayor Brian West, the Mayor of Tybee Island.

Those interested in helping to keep the beaches clean, click here for more details on the festival, or here for employment opportunities for the festival. You can sign up to be a volunteer, but signing up specifically to be a volunteer for beach cleanup isn’t required. Everyone is welcome to show up as they are to pitch in.

If you want to come help after Saturday, you can reach out to Tybee Clean Beach Volunteers, as they also hold events where you can help. Click here to learn more about Tybee Clean Beach.

The city will hold its final Orange Crush meeting today at 11 a.m. will bring you updates later today from that meeting.