First day of Orange Crush largely uneventful, especially for attendees

What locals and promoters call Orange Crush was a little different this year than last year―all the people, the booming music, the traffic and litter were there, but so were more than 100 additional law enforcement officers and traffic restrictions. None of the additional measures stopped the party as the crowd size on the beach slowly grew over the course of the day, most likely reaching the same size or more than last year according to Mayor Brian West

But he won't have an official count for at least three days, he said.

Last year, 40 to 50 thousand people flooded the small, 2.7-square-mile barrier island on one day, bringing traffic complications and exerting major impact on the islands' resources. This year, the island implemented several traffic restrictions to mainly deter people from coming, including blocking off most street parking and shortening Tybee's four lanes to two.

Still, West felt all the preparations leading up to Saturday were successful. The crowd felt a lot calmer during the day. "As far as I can tell the crowd is different than what we had last year. It's more college-aged kids, and they're having a nice time. I hope we can keep it that way."

Before nightfall there were only a few incidents here and there―some people passing out from heat exhaustion or alcohol poisoning, a five-car pileup that closed the Bull River Bridge for a bit―but they were all quickly resolved. At the time of publication, law enforcement had made nine felony arrests during traffic stops on Friday night.

Interim City Manager Michelle Owens agreed with West: She felt like the city accomplished the goal of not having gridlocked traffic and keeping everyone―residents, visitors, law enforcement―safe.

“Traffic kept flowing, is still flowing on Butler,” Owens said. “We don’t have the total shutdown of roads and side streets, so that’s pretty good. People found places to park, they walked, and we were out riding around making sure people knew where to go and passing out water to students.”

Early arrivals

Crowds gathered early on Saturday morning to beat the traffic. Jada Moore, a student at Savannah State University, arrived on Tybee at 9 a.m. for her first Orange Crush. She thought the traffic restrictions were a lot and felt targeted, but she wanted to come out for her birthday.

"We just want to have fun," said Ashanti, a student from Fort Valley who declined to use her last name. "Just be around a whole bunch of Black people having fun on the beach."

Many students felt the same way, wanting to get away and have fun before the last few weeks of the semester, but some felt the restrictions dampened the fun in a way.

"The restrictions make it kind of dead," said Adriana Hamilton, a student from Kennesaw. "It's still hype in a way but the atmosphere from this year to last year is completely different. It was more organized last year, with parties back-to-back."

Hamilton said based off today, she wouldn’t do Orange Crush again next year. Hamilton also added that she felt like all of the restrictions early in the day were unnecessary, maybe necessary for the residents because of all the issues with parking, but as an attendee, no.

Alexandria Swanger shared Hamilton's sentiment. As this was her first Orange Crush, she thought the whole thing was not worth the hype, mostly because of all the restrictions.

“It’s not worth all the money that I paid,” Swanger said. “Not only on my outfits, but also the tickets.”

Although the beach is public and free, CrowdedFunctionsATL, an entertainment group, has been selling tickets for events under the Orange Crush name, even though the trademark is held by George Ransom Turner III. The tickets were for other events like a concert featuring Hunxho at Elan in Savannah on April 20, and ranged from $40.00 to $80.00.

Law enforcement largely left attendees on the beach alone, staying out of the way but keeping an eye out in case something happened.

"I understand all the precautions," said Jordin, a student from Atlanta who declined to provide her last name. "It's weird but safety comes first, especially for all the people who live here."

According to Tybee leadership, traffic was still coming onto the island, but not as many people were leaving at time of publication.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Crowds gather for annual Orange Crush party on Tybee Island