Electric Daisy Carnival brings thumping bass and heavy traffic to the area around Tinker Field each year, but for some nearby residents, the three-night festival also brings a chance to make some additional money.
Cheryl Johnson, who lives near the festival grounds, said her family has been turning their property into a parking lot for decades.
“My mom started it, and then my brother kept it going, it was $20 at the time,” Johnson said.
Asked what the price is now, she said it is “between $40 and $50.”
Johnson said they try to keep it orderly and safe, with a steady flow of vehicles in and out each night.
“I sit out here all night until the last car has departed my property,” she said. “It’s like secure parking.”
This year, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has established its largest-ever special event zone for EDC, covering parts of Colonial Drive and John Young Parkway.
Even residents who find a way to benefit financially say the weekend comes with drawbacks, including noise that carries into surrounding neighborhoods.
“When it gets really loud, I mean literally the entire house shakes, windows, everything shakes,” said James Drayton, a resident who lives near the festival.
Drayton is retired. He said he has learned to tolerate the disruption, and has no plans to move.
“I’m OK with it because it’s a retirement income for me, additional income,” Drayton said. “And it’s profitable.”
Johnson said she believes the festival’s economic impact extends beyond individual homeowners and helps the city overall.
“It’s helping the community, it’s helping the city, it’s bringing in revenue,” Johnson said. “And some people have actually come here and decided to reside here because of the events.”
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to move through the corridor near the festival over the next several days.
The road closures and traffic changes are expected to remain in place through Monday morning at 8 A.M.