NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Hundreds of people were left stranded and wandering through unfamiliar parts of North Charleston after a two-day music festival that brought thousands to the area over the weekend.
High Water Festival-goers were encouraged in advance to take advantage of ride-sharing options after Saturday night's concert, but miscommunication, roadblocks and lack of cell phone service led to the ride-sharing option. , states that the ride has been cancelled.
New Hampshire native and festival attendee Annabel Boisvert celebrated her 17th birthday late Saturday night when she was stranded on the side of the road next to a construction site as police sirens wailed in the distance.
“My 17th birthday definitely wasn't what I expected,” Boisvert said.
About 15,000 tickets were sold, but there were only about 7,500 parking spaces, so attendees were encouraged to carpool.
Annabelle's mother, Jennifer Boisvert, said she gave her tickets for Christmas. Annabelle Boisvert's best friend, Mia Powers, and her mother also attended.
They all had nothing but positive things to say about their experience at the actual concert and venue, but the tables turned once they started heading home.
“No one really knew what was going on,” Powers said.
“Some lifts started passing by and the police were directing us to go another way,” Jennifer Boisvert said. “And when someone gets on it, it gets taken off.”
She added that it was incredibly stressful and nerve-wracking to see so many people, especially young girls, so helpless in the middle of the night.
“It quickly became a nightmare,” Jennifer Boisvert said.
The group says it took them more than two and a half hours to catch a $175 taxi.
Another attendee, Mary-Kate Acquist, said she had a nearly identical experience Saturday night and changed her plans for Sunday.
“There were places I could stay for free, but I ended up booking a hotel to actually go to the concert,” Acquisto said.
Although the hotel was within walking distance of Riverfront Park, it cost her and her fiancé an additional $350 for a night's stay.
They all say something needs to change.
“Maybe we can improve communication, maybe we can do a shuttle,” Annabelle Boisvert said.
“It's a taxi line like we do here in New York,” Acquist said.
“It's a solid plan with the city,” Jennifer Boisvert said. “What are they going to do to make sure people get out of here, especially if the roads are closed?”
Tony Tassarotti, communications coordinator for the City of North Charleston, released the following statement:
The City acknowledges the inconvenience caused by traffic congestion during last weekend's High Water Festival. We developed a strategy to deal with the closure of McMillan Avenue, the main access route to Riverfront Park due to the construction of a new overpass, but it is clear that our plans did not sufficiently mitigate the impact. is. We have spoken with High Water's promoters and want the public to know that we are committed to continually refining these strategies to ensure a positive experience every time you visit Riverfront Park. I am.
Participants were asked if they would return to High Water Festival in the future.
“I don't think I did it just because it was stressful,” Annabelle said.
“If you're left here without a phone and no one can contact you, it's not worth it,” Acquisto said.
“As long as you have reliable transportation, yes,” Powers said. “The festival was great. I just need to find another way to get home.”
Click here for more information about this year's High Water Festival.
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