Fresno City Council approves Grizzly Fest for Woodward Park

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Promoters have held the rap and hip-hop music event at the downtown baseball stadium, but this year's plan is to make it a two-day event. They can add carnival rides and other attractions in the park and be closer to the fans.

"Most of the people buying tickets live in Northeast and Northwest Fresno and so the promoters want a venue close to where the people are buying their tickets," said Mayor Lee Brand.

Concerns about noise are being addressed with steep fines.

The music must end at 11:30 p.m. or the promoters face a $1,000 a minute fine--which goes to $10,000 a minute at 11:40 p.m., then $100,000 a minute if it is still playing at midnight.

Parking is being addressed by utilizing nearby private lots with buses and ride-sharing services.

"This is a new world, now people want to go, have a few beers they just Uber so they don't get pulled over," said Brand.

RELATED: Dozens of residents voice their concerns about Grizzly Fest moving to Woodward Park

But City Councilmember Garry Bredefeld remains opposed. The park is in his district his constituents are giving him an earful of complaints. They do not want the music festival in their backyards.

"It's been successful in the downtown, that's where it belongs," said Bredefeld.

The mayor is hoping the rest of the council sees this as a benefit to the city.

"I think they've done a really good job of controlling the situation and for Fresno, this is a city we are trying to improve our image," said Brand.

But Bredefeld maintains it is just not the right place for a music festival.

"All I heard was this doesn't belong in Woodward Park, it's a park," said Bredefeld.