Associated Press - September 1, 2009 9:14 PM ET

CHICAGO (AP) - Oprah Winfrey will be shutting down a stretch of Chicago's Magnificent Mile next week as she hosts a free party to celebrate the kickoff of the 24th season of her television show, and thousands of people are expected to attend.

The city says three blocks of Michigan Avenue will be closed from 12:01 a.m. Monday through 5 a.m. next Wednesday, although sidewalks will be open.

Megan McDonald, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, says people will still be able to get where they need to go, but some commuters on Michigan Avenue today were not so sure.

Phyllis Medrano of Aurora said her office will more or less shut down. And Lyndsey Adams of Chicago said her commute home will definitely be affected, but she sees the event as a plus for Chicago tourism.

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