MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thousands of people were expected to ring in 2016 on Beale Street. Many people packed the iconic street hoping to get a glimpse of the gigantic guitar drop at the Hard Rock Cafe.
They came for the music and the fun. People from all over did their best to make sure their final days of 2015 are memorable.
“We’re from Australia,” said Steven Lanyon.
Lanyon, his wife and his three children are doing a cross-country trip. He said he’s happy his children get to ring in the New Year on Beale.
“Oh for sure, it’s fantastic,” he said.
Closer to home WREG found a group of friends who made the trip from St. Louis. Flooding and wild weather forced them to take a detour.
“Took us like an hour and a half longer,” said one member of the group.
They said nothing was stopping them.
“[It’s our] favorite place. Yes, definitely. The Blues. Everybody’s just great, nice.”
Groups like these are whom Scott Lawrence, manager at Alfred’s, has been preparing for.
“I’ve been here all day, but we’ve also been prepping for this. It’s been a couple days in the works making sure all the staff is ready. making sure we have enough food, cold drinks for everyone,” said Lawrence.
The crowd was expected to be a big one Thursday night. Fans from Kansas and Arkansas have made their way to the Bluff City, with a sold-out Liberty Bowl this weekend.
Organizers said they’re ready.
“Last year we did a little over 15,000, so this year we think it’s going to be even better,” said Pat Mitchell Worley with the Beale Street Merchants Association.
Everyone said they’re excited for a healthy and happy 2016.
WREG talked to police earlier this week who said they have extra patrols out, along with undercover officers, and they’ll be checking people as they come in.
