The night before Thanksgiving is perfect for enjoying dinner or a drink with friends before the holiday.
And in light of one of the busiest bar and restaurant nights of the year, people can park for free overnight in Eastlake and Willoughby on Wednesday.
In order to encourage safe celebrations, the Eastlake and Willoughby Police Departments have announced they will not be enforcing their overnight parking ordinances, meaning any car parked on the street or in a public lot can stay there until Thursday morning.
"This is the first time I've seen it, and I think it should go statewide. It's a great idea," said Brian Sanshuck, owner of the Thee Hemp Company on Erie Street.
Erie Street in downtown Willoughby was bustling on Thanksgiving Eve.
"They want people to be safe. They don't want people driving and drinking," said Sanshuck.
Officers think more people will make safe choices without the fear of a pricey ticket or tow.
"I love that Willoughby is allowing people to park on the street because it is hard to find a ride here, a ride home or Uber, and many people just don't want to pay the fees. So it's nice knowing that you can leave your car here if necessary," said Aly Hartman.
Hartman is toasting with her friends at Wild Goose, a night out with no worries about their vehicles.
"The joy in coming out the night before Thanksgiving is running into people that you probably don't want to, and it just makes stories for the dinner table," said Leah King.
