New Orleans - Crowds rushed in as soon as the gates opened for Jazz Fest 2009. With chairs, hats, and colorful shirts, some people have it down to a science. Lili Bavister knows how to stay cool.
"Over the years we've learned how to perfect the technique of bringing the chairs. A friend of mine gave me this umbrella years ago and if you sit far enough back you can put it up and get some shade," Bavister explains while holding a parasol.
And while there are a lot of locals in the sea of people, we found people who flew thousands of miles to be here for day one of Jazz Fest. Anastasia Gray came from Philadelphia for a convention. And she says New Orleans is quickly growing on her.
"This is just like awesome. I cannot believe for the price, that we get an opportunity to see all of these different venues. It's awesome and I'm falling in love with New Orleans," Gray said.
Galley Seafood is frying up thousands of soft shell crabs. It is just one of dozens of caterers and restaurants.
"Due to the tremendous amount of volume of soft shell crabs that we do sell we constantly have to be buying every crab that we get to have Louisiana local seafood," said restaurant owner Vicky Patania.
Jazz Fest is music, food and crafts. Visitors walked through booths where many international artists and vendors showcased their merchandise. Elliott Hubbard is from Atlanta, selling his colorful clay sculptures.
"New Orleans is its own world and I come here to get that type of energy, the food..everything about New Orleans is just great. This is one of my favorite places to come," Hubbard said.
And thanks to this weekend's forecast, Jazz Festers will get lots of sun along with music and culture.
