MIAMI BEACH -- Hundreds of people are already gathering in Miami Beach for Urban Memorial Weekend, an event that brings out the best in hip-hop and gives a boost to the local economy.

An event born with problems in 2001, Urban Weekend has become a cultural and commercial must for members of the hip-hop community.

The Story In Pictures: Event Expected To Draw Thousands

Organizers predict at least 250,000 visitors to the event this weekend.

"I am about to go to Afghanistan and want to have one last blast before I go," one event attendee said.

Hundreds of parties are being promoted as the city gets ready for the annual blowout.

"Back in 2001, as everyone knows, we were caught unexpected with these crowds, and since then we've implemented a major events plan, which we've implemented over several long weekends, not just Memorial day, and become very successful at doing it," one event organizer said.

Not only is there going to be $2 parking at the convention center parking lot, city officials are also halting all construction on the roadways.

The event is another building block in the South Florida tourism economy, with serious money flowing into the city. It is a ready-made market for hip-hop entrepreneurs.

With the commercial side of the event becoming ever more important, promoters are already working the crowds, pushing CDs by hip-hop artists.

Not only is the event a big party, but it is a big commercial enterprise.

Promoters said that event attendees spend a lot of money on good times and on music and cars, and a lot of major companies will be passing out their message this weekend. The party begins Friday night.