Police urge attendees at local show to be patient

The Texarkana, Ark., Police Department reminds residents attending this year’s Sparks in the Park event to be aware of heavy traffic around the Four States Fairgrounds and roads leading to the fairgrounds.

With an estimated 30,000 people attending, attendees should expect delays and long waits.

Be prepared to sit in traffic for long periods of time both arriving and leaving the event.

You are encouraged to arrive early. The gates open at 4 p.m., and there will be numerous activities and music going on inside the fairgrounds.

If you arrive after 7 p.m., expect traffic to be backed up. Police encourage patience with traffic officers working the event. The goal is to move all vehicles inside as quickly and safely as possible. Follow officers’ directions and stay in the traffic lane you’re put in. All lanes lead to the parking lot, and you will end up in the same area.

Police will use the back roads known as Clay Pitt Road and Sammy Lane to move traffic in faster.

Dropping teenagers off and leaving them is not encouraged because this creates issues with traffic getting in and out, and should your child become involved in some type of incident they will most likely be asked to leave or be taken to the juvenile detention center.

Vehicles will not be allowed to park on any of the roads leading to the fairgrounds. Vehicles left unattended will be cited and towed.

Remember not to park at businesses unless you are invited. This is private property, and you could be asked to leave or your vehicle could be towed.

Do not block driveways in residential neighborhoods or park in yards where you are not invited.

If you have no interest in attending the event, you are encouraged to stay away from this area from 4 p.m. until after midnight due to high traffic volumes.

When the event is over, please watch traffic officers and follow directions. Use the traffic lane you are assigned to leave the area. You may not get the roadway you want out of the complex, but please be patient and drive on the roadway you are given.

Pay attention to the lanes entering and exiting. U of A Way will be two lanes in until the fireworks start, and then it will be two lanes out.