Staying safe at the German American Festival this weekend - WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports

The brats are separated and the beer is unloaded. The 48^th annual German American Festival kicked off Friday in Oregon.

With more than 30,000 people visiting Oregon's Oak Shade Grove Park this weekend, there are safety concerns. Police Chief Mike Navarre says his department is prepared to keep everyone in attendance safe.

"We're going to have extra cars on the road, extra cars on the perimeter streets," the chief said. "And I know the state highway patrol will do the same."

With a selection of 45 different German beers, a lot of drinking is expected. Chief Navarre has a strong message for anyone thinking about drinking and then getting behind the wheel.

"Some people are going to do it anyway, and they're going to pay the consequences if they do," he said.

Even if you're not driving, traffic to and from the can get hectic, but the shuttles help alleviate that problem.

Every year there are bus shuttles to take people to and from the festival. This year, there are new shuttle locations to accommodate more people. A couple of those new locations include Bar 145 on Monroe Street and Tres Belle Martini Lounge in Levis Commons.

It costs $6 to ride the shuttles, and event organizers say taking a shuttle is a smart option.

"There will be plenty of parking and people will feel safe with their cars parked there," said Timothy Pecsenye, festival chairman. "And $6 round-trip on the bus can save you $10,000 on an OVI."

Click here for a full list of shuttle stops.

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