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It's a downtown's dream. Thousands of people are coming to town, and they're walking the streets of Bristol.
Many are here for Saturday’s Mumford & Sons concert, but they aren't waiting for the music to start to cash in on some fun Friday night.
Bands were already out striking some chords Friday night, helping to warm up the crowds for Saturday night's main attraction in Bristol, making State Street and beyond the place to be.
From talking to people, we learned most are here to see Mumford & Sons Saturday night, but they're getting a taste of Bristol hours before, making this Friday night one for the books. "We've ordered tons of extra food and drink and brought in extra friends and family to help out with all the extra people that are going to be in," said Justin Peters, co-owner of Machiavelli's, a local restaurant.
From a showcase of nearly 400 classic cars, to local restaurants offering their best dishes, and even a little entertainment on the side, Bristol is doing some showing off.
"lt's just a cool place, Bristol. I mean State Street, you know, for Rhythm and Roots, this festival here, it just offers everything, even with the night before this car festival," said Bruce Court, visiting from Toronto to see Mumford & Sons.
We found out people are giving back in just the ways these businesses are hoping. "We walked around and looked at cars. We've been through the antique shops spending money just having a good time," said Frankie Manuel, a visitor from Georgia.
We discovered many businesses are offering specials and even discounts to help make the extra foot traffic really count at places like 606 State Street Gallery. "It really helps a lot. We've got a lot of artists here that depend on traffic coming through, so with events like this it really helps," said Joyce Samuel with 606 State Street Gallery.
They are hoping this little bit of hospitality might bring visitors back even after Mumford & Sons packs up and moves out.
If you want a complete list of events and specials happening throughout the weekend, click on the link below.
