TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) – “We want them to be successful, we’re hoping for the best,” said a Tybee Island Chamber of Commerce ambassador at the first-ever ribbon cutting for Orange Crush.

Organizers say they want to make it official, as this year is also the first time it will be a permitted event.

“This is the first year, this is the first step so we can show that we can get along, do the right thing and have a good time as a people. That’s my main message. Come to have fun, be safe,” said Orange Crush CEO Steven Smalls.

Thousands are expected to swarm Tybee Island for the weekend.

The actual beach event, the only event sponsored by the city, will happen Saturday April 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Both organizers and city officials say they’d like it to be the cleanest and safest yet. Both have been concerns in the past.

“We’re learning just like you are what works best,” said City of Tybee Mayor Brian West in a news conference this week.

The city has mandated the main festival activity on Tybee Island be confined to a single day.

Other events on Friday or throughout the weekend, like the Ribbon Cutting, will take place at private venues at off-island areas.

Barricades are up on the Island to prevent on-street parking and help with traffic flow.

You can find everything you know ahead of the event for parking and driving, here.

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