Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday afternoon at the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area at The Banks during its debut weekend.
Long lines packed with mostly unmasked people -- dressed appropriately in short sleeves and sunglasses -- formed outside bars and restaurants in the Dora, stretching the width of East Freedom Way.
Those who had already received their drinks gathered in small groups or sat at one of more than a dozen picnic tables lining the street.
The Dora at The Banks spans 85 acres of Downtown Cincinnati from the Heritage Bank Center (formerly US Bank Arena) to Paul Brown Stadium and from Mehring Way to Second Street.
Having only just opened on Thursday, it's the newest of at least 17 drinking districts established throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Many patrons were pleased overall with how the drinking district turned out, adding that it was the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that they had gone out to a large public venue.
"I'm glad to see such a good crowd," Kathy Mills, 62, of Loveland, told The Enquirer. "I think it's great."
Mills said the last time she was out in a large crowd was in 2019, but because she's been vaccinated she wasn't worried about being out in public with the virus still ongoing.
Muna Nyama, 33, of Silverton, also hasn't been out to a large public gathering since before the pandemic. He came down to The Banks to support local businesses and to check out the Dora for himself.
"I like it so far," he said of the Dora, adding that his fears about the pandemic have eased as more and more people get vaccinated.
However, some said the Dora is a good concept but that it could have been executed better.
Tony and Elise Burtke, of Fort Thomas, said the long lines and lack of seating dampened the experience.
"We waited in line 30 minutes just for a drink," Tony, 36, said.
Local health officials have been urging vigilance as the weather gets warmer and residents get wearier of masks and social distancing. With spring making its presence known, case counts have stalled their drop since the beginning of the year.
But few patrons at the Dora on Saturday were seen wearing masks and those who did have a mask were typically wearing it under their chin.
Mitch Tiedt, 26, said he doesn't see the need to wear a mask in an open environment, adding that with so many people choosing not to wear a mask anyway it almost seems pointless.
"The people who choose to be out here, choose to be out here," he said. "They know the risk."
Dora at The Banks is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. City officials say it's a permanent feature that will be open year-round.
Freedom Way from Joe Nuxhall Way to Marian Spencer Way is permanently closed for the Dora, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.
The new pickup/drop off location for rideshare vehicles is now located just west of Yard House across from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Source link
