Carmi Kiwanis Corn Days 2023 week has arrived and with that comes road closures and traffic detours according to Carmi Chief of Police Jason Carter.
He explained the closures and detours are to allow for safe travels for through traffic and pedestrians.
Church Street between Main and Robinson will be blocked beginning around 6 p.m. today (Wednesday (10-11). That will allow the amusement company to set up rides.
Walnut Street between Main and Cherry Street will be partially blocked beginning Thursday night to allow for the set-up of the Main Stage Friday morning.
The set traffic detour pattern will be in place starting at 3 Friday afternoon. After 3, vendors will begin setting up on Main Street. Vendors will NOT BE ALLOWED to set up before 3 p.m. due to state regulations and traffic hazards. Any vehicles parked on Main Street between Main Cross and Jessup Street after 3 Friday will be subject to being towed at the owner’s expense. No admittance is allowed during this time to any traffic other than vendors setting up.
The detour pattern will be the same as years past with the detour being from East Main Street to Locust, onto Cherry Street and then onto Oak Street. Any vehicles parked along the detour route on Locust and Cherry after 3 Friday, also subject to being towed. These routes will be visibly marked with no parking signs and detour route signs. This detour will be in place until about 2 Sunday morning (10-15).
Chief Carter said anyone with questions about the established routes can contact the Police Department at 618-382-4633.
The Corn Days Parade will get underway around 4 Saturday afternoon. At that time, all traffic will be diverted at Main onto Fairground Road and then onto Oak Street for the detour around Main until the parade is over.
Carter also reminded area residents that alcohol is not allowed to be taken outside of the bar establishments unless there is a secured area that is not accessible to the general public. Further, no alcohol is allowed in or adjacent to any street or alley or on an adjacent public sidewalks. This will be monitored and enforced with citations issued if necessary.
Chief Carter urged everyone to be responsible and mindful of your actions.
“We hope everyone is able to attend and has a safe and enjoyable 2023 Corn Days,” said Carter.
