NEW ORLEANS – Traffic will be rolling like the mighty Mississippi during the 2011 French Quarter Festival, Thursday, April 7 through Sunday, April 10, 2011.

The ‘Capital One Bank Second Line Shuttle’ at French Quarter Festival
In partnership with Capital One Bank, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud to announce the exciting return of the festival shuttle – renamed the ‘Capital One Bank Second Line Shuttle’. In their commitment to keep French Quarter Festival a quality free event for the community, Capital One will offer FREE round-trip shuttle service throughout festival weekend. “In a city known for letting the good times roll, the French Quarter Festival serves up a huge portion of fun with a distinct New Orleans flavor,” said Steve Hemperley, Greater New Orleans Market President for Capital One Bank. “The main ingredients are legendary music and great, local food — mix them together, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable four-day weekend in one of America’s most historic and charming neighborhoods. And all of us at Capital One Bank are honored to play such a role in an event that showcases so much of what makes our city truly special.”

SHUTTLE SPECIFICS
Official shuttle parking will begin in lot F – located across from the Convention Center at Convention Center Boulevard near Henderson Street. Over 1,700 parking spaces are available and special event parking is only $10 per day per vehicle. Drop off will be on Canal Street at North Peters. Shuttles will run from 10:30 am – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10:30 am – 8 pm on Sunday. Parking is based on availability and festival goers are encouraged to begin their day early to take advantage of this convenience. Shuttle service will be provided by Hotard. Capital One Bank is offering priority boarding on its free Second-Line Shuttles to anyone who visits a New Orleans area Capital One Bank branch to pick up a Q-Pass. Q-Pass holders will also receive 10% off Festival merchandise.

New Orleans Police Traffic Control will be out in force during festival weekend to keep traffic moving, so festival-goers can get to-andfrom the festival as quickly and as safely as possible. According to Traffic Control, the major traffic rule during French Quarter Festival is: NO LEFT TURNS ON NORTH PETERS or DECATUR STREET. These streets may also be temporarily closed and then reopened as traffic is controlled by NOPD Traffic Patrol. Festival-goers entering the French Quarter should enter from Esplanade. Festival goers heading to Woldenberg Park should enter from Canal Street.

According to Marci Schramm, FQFI executive director, “Streetcars are running and we encourage people to utilize the Capital One Bank Shuttle or park and ride the streetcar from Uptown, Mid-City, and the CBD. There are also several parking lots in and around the French Quarter and the Central Business District, as well as lots at the Hilton Riverside, that can readily accommodate festival-goers. Lots along Rampart also offer easy in and out. Additionally, Central Parking and the French Market have lots along Decatur Street that provide ample spaces and the RTA Riverfront Streetcars are another great way to get from one end of the festival to the other.” The 2011 French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest and Christmas New Orleans Style. For more information on French Quarter Festival, call 504-522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org.