BayFest 2012 prepares for the crowds

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - With BayFest just a day away, some streets will be closing Thursday at 6 p.m. as workers put up stages.

Hotels, especially in downtown Mobile, said business is brisk for BayFest 2012. 

Theresa Lollar with the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Mobile said, "We are currently at capacity for the weekend. We do have rooms on Sunday night. But this Sunday is actually a little busier for us occupancy-wise than previous years of BayFest because, I think, they have a stronger lineup on Sunday night. So we're looking forward to seeing those acts as well and reaping the benefits of the good lineup for Sunday night."

The Holiday Inn Hotel in downtown Mobile and The Admiral Semmes Hotel are sold out Friday and Saturday.

The general manager of the Holiday Inn, Maura Garino, said, "We have some rooms for Sunday night. I'm sure there are some other hotels in town that have availability, but, the economic impact of BayFest is absolutely fabulous."

The Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau said that's pretty much the story at many other hotels, too.

BayFest is always a big tourist attraction, but, when asked if both hotels sell out every year, Garino said, "This year is better than last year. I think the economy is improving."

Lollar said, "We've had an excellent booking pace for BayFest this year. I think we've got people coming in from at least six different states, the last that I noticed, mostly in the Southeast, though.

Click here for more details about BayFest 2012.