Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Downtown Rochester is almost sure to be a crowded place on Saturday.

The city’s three public high schools will be holding commencement ceremonies for their graduating seniors, activities planned as part of the annual Med-City Marathon, and the weekly Rochester Farmers Market will bring thousands of people to an area of the downtown that’s already torn up for a major storm and sanitary sewer project. Additional road closures are planned for the events beginning Friday evening and the city’s Civic Center Parking Ramp with its over 660 parking spaces remains closed.

City officials note that in addition to the free parking available in other city ramps and surface lots throughout the weekend, another 600 spaces are being made available to the public for free parking at the Mayo Clinic’s East Employee Parking Lot, also known as the Fullerton lot, a few blocks south of the Mayo Civic Center on Saturday. Rochester Public Transit rides will be free all weekend on routes 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 191.

City officials also note there will be drop-off areas on Civic Center Drive and Center Street next to the Mayo Civic Center, where the staff will over 30 wheelchairs available on site for anyone needing the mobility assistance. Each of the downtown parking ramps has around a dozen handicap parking spaces and officials say those permitted to use those spaces can use an intercom button to advise the operators of the parking ramp they are seeking one of those handicapped spots if the ramp appears to be full. Should you have any questions about accessibility options for the Mayo Civic Center, please contact the Mayo Civic Center at 507-328-2220.

Anyone attending the graduation ceremonies, the Med-City Marathon events, and the Farmer Market are encouraged to give themselves extra time to navigate in the downtown area and find a place to park.

 

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