From Bray Luyster - Director of Communications for the Louisville MMF 2015
Makers,
I’ve got one more update for you all before the big event on Saturday! Looking forward to seeing you all there.
First off: During the load-in period, some routes downtown are going to be blocked off by the Kentuckiana Heart Walk. Here’s a map of the streets that will be closed during the load-in period: http://www.kintera.org/atf/cf/%7B8B80672C-496D-4C23-AFEA-C424CB8AE62B%7D/ROUTE.PDF
Here’s a text-based list of the street closures: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works/services/road-and-street-closures
We have assurances from the city that the streets will be open around 10:30am, and the police will let people through as the crowd of walkers thins out. Plan ahead so you don’t get caught in traffic and street closures!
Our proximity to the 9th Street interstate exit makes it super easy to get around any possible closures, but it does require a little planning! The recommended routes in are as follows:
From I-71 (Southbound) and I-64 (Westbound):
Follow signs through downtown to I-64W (St. Louis). Take the 9th Street Exit (Exit 4).
At the end of the ramp, turn Right on Jefferson Street. In one block, turn Right on 10th Street. In one block, turn Right on Market Street. In one block, turn Left on 9th street. The left turn onto 9th street is through a large intersection-- Be careful not to get back on the interstate!
Here’s a Map of this route: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/38.3105668,-85.5907004/38.2575184,-85.7648114/@38.2565113,-85.76429,17.13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-85.7633811!2d38.2587897!3s0x886972a1a9f01d1d:0x6fbccb4c05ff2f2!1m0!3e0
If you’re not familiar with downtown, I recommend taking a look at the google streetview.
>From I-64 (Eastbound):
Take the 9th street exit (Exit 4). Keep in the far left lane of the exit ramp. Make a long U-turn onto 9th street at the end of the exit ramp (Be careful not to get back on the interstate!)
Here’s a map of this route: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/38.2711039,-85.7832156/38.2575184,-85.7648114/@38.2576155,-85.7653172,16.63z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-85.7657143!2d38.2585817!3s0x886972a08f2de8ed:0xf9018e1600014ae!1m0!3e0
Local Traffic:
Navigate yourself to Broadway, headed westbound. Turn right on 9th Street. Keep in the far right lane near the interstate on-ramps (Follow signs for 9th street).
Here’s the map of this route: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/38.2463411,-85.7620483/38.2575184,-85.7648114/@38.2523222,-85.7631869,15.88z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0
Everyone:
We highly recommend that if you can carry your booth materials from the parking lot, that you do so (consider bringing a hand truck or wagon). The fewer cars on the venue, the faster we can all get loaded in 
If you have a significant amount to unload, once you’ve reached the corner of 9th and Main, let the volunteers or security guards at the gate know that you’re a maker. Being careful to avoid cars, vehicles, people, tents, and everything else, find an out of the way spot (Leave enough of a gap for other cars to get by!), make your way to the information booth at the center of the event, sign-in, verify your tent placement, and unload.
If you don’t have a significant amount to unload, or if you’ve already unloaded, there are a couple of parking lots we recommend:
Kentucky Science Center parking lot: This lot is at the end of 8th Street, and is the most convenient to the event. Follow 9th street to the end, turn right, and the lot will be on your left at 8th street.
8th and Main Garage- Instead of following 9th street all the way to the event, navigate yourself to Market street, and turn Left on 8th street (8th is a two-way street for this block), and turn left into the signed parking garage.
All downtown parking lots can be seen on this map: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parking-authority-parc/parc-street-garageslots
Check-In Prodedure:
Once you arrive at the event venue, before unloading, check-in at the Information Booth in the center of the 8th and Main intersection. I’ll be there with your Maker Info Packet, and we’ll have volunteers that can help you find your spot.
Check-out Procedure:
We start to shut down at 6pm! Absolutely no cars will be allowed on the venue before 6pm. Have a plan to get everything packed up. Be economical and patient-- Lots of people are going to be trying to park on the street and load-out at the same time.
In addition to all the cool stuff you’re already bringing, we recommend you bring:
- Extension Cords (50 ft+) and power strips (If you need power)
- Tablecloth and any Signage you might have to make your booth beautiful
- Water bottles for your crew
- First Aid, just in case!
Let people know you’ll be at the event! Tag us on facebook and instagram, and @-mention us on Twitter. We’re using the hashtag #MakerLou this year, but tagging/mentioning us directly is going to be the best way to get seen.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday! As usual, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email!
Brad [Forwarded by JimD]
icon), and plan your extension cords accordingly! Each