Fairgoers Deal With Parking Issues

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Big crowds are flocking to the fair.  And, Friday night's big crowds mean big tickets for cars that are ignoring parking laws.  There were big changes to the parking this year. But, those at the fair are seeing the same old problems. 

Charlie Webb has worked as a parking attendant at the Tulsa State Fair for seven years.  When he started, one of the areas now used for parking was home to Bell's Amusement Park.  Last year, it was a gravel lot.   This year, it is now a paved parking lot with thousands of spaces.

"Hate to see Bell's go, but more parking really helps the fairgrounds out," said Charlie Webb.

Everyone wants to enjoy the fair, but getting through the parking issue, for some, has proven to be a nightmare.

"A lot of these people will drive around here for a full 30 minutes, and then, they'll have physical confrontations with each other," said parking attendant Marvin Bizzell.

Marvin Bizzell says he's already seen shoving matches and fistfights.

On Thursday night, a man was thrown in jail for attempted assault with a deadly weapon for pulling a knife on a man. It was all over a parking spot.

Michael Covey is taking his daughter to her first fair and paid for a premium parking spot.

"We spent 10 minutes trying to find parking, couldn't find any.  So, we paid $10 to get right next to the entrance," said Michael Covey.

He says it's about having a good time and that's worth the wait. 

Those wanting to avoid all the parking hassles may want to take advantage of the six places around Tulsa where you can park for free and then ride a shuttle bus to the fair.