The new look of Walnut Street means handicap access has been moved. Parking spaces have been removed as part of redoing the street. Not having cars parked on the street will make it possible to enlarge the festival area. As attendance has increased, more and more people are sitting across Walnut Street, said Jerry Boyd, who is in charge of logistics. Cars and recreational vehicles, in some cases, have blocked the view.
Walnut Street is left free for pedestrians, except when buses are dropping off or picking up bands.
The change to Walnut Street is part of long-term plans at Centre to improve the campus appearance. Originally, the college proposed removing the street, putting up a bell tower and adding a lake in front of Old Centre. Plans to close the street didn't sit too well with local residents, since Walnut Street provides an alternate route headed west. Last fall, Centre came in with an alternate plan which the Danville City Commission did approve. The fountain, dedicated in April, honors James Haven Gillespie and his son Haven Lamont Gillespie.