Navigating this year’s Sikh Festival
It’s estimated that more than 100,000 people will be gathering in Yuba-sutter this weekend as a full schedule of festivities is planned as part of the 39th annual Nagar Kirtan.
Navigating the roadways around the Tierra Buena Sikh Temple and knowing where to be can be tricky for someone new to the area or event – especially during the parade itself – but organizers say there are a few ways to avoid the traffic congestion and optimize the cultural experience.
“Due to law enforcement and security detail, the roads will be closed early (on Sunday during the parade), so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get here and don’t have to rush,” said Karm Bains, a board director for the Sikh Temple. “We wish everyone safe travels coming and going to the event, we just ask they bring along with them their patience and flexibility.”
While most of the roadways near the temple will be open on Friday and Saturday, some will be closed on Sunday before, during and after the parade.
The parade procession starts at the Yuba City Sikh Temple – 2468 Tierra Buena Road. From there, it goes south on Tierra Buena Road to Butte House Road. Then the procession heads east to Civic Center Boulevard, where it turns south, loops around Poole Boulevard and Stabler Lane before traveling back toward the temple on Butte House Road. In total, the route runs a little over four miles.
Instead of trying to find a parking spot along or near the parade procession, Bains suggests attendees utilize shuttle services that will run throughout the day.
Yuba-sutter Transit will have a shuttle service running from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., picking up from the River Valley High School administrative parking lot and dropping off at the intersection of Hooper Road and True Road, and vice versa.
The temple will also be shuttling people to and from the Yuba College Sutter County Center – 3301 East Onstott Road, Yuba City. Shuttles are expected to drop off and pick up attendees about every 10-15 minutes, he said.
“We ask that people be courteous about parking on private property. If an area is taped off or roped off, look for other options,” Bains said. Business hours: Monday-friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Main number .................... Steve Miller ......................
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