Shuttle Service Unavailable For Tulsa State Fair; Some Street Parking Off-Limits

Thursday, parking lots and neighborhood streets around the fairgrounds were busy on the first day of Tulsa's State Fair.

Richard Markham said he normally takes the shuttle to the fair but since it's not running this year decided to go out to the fairgrounds early to avoid the crowds and busy parking lots.

"I loved using it. It's kind of convenient where I used to live in the area and then I moved a little closer to here. So it's a lot easier for me just to use the parking lot. Just getting here early is the best thing," said Markham.

He said he parked on-site at the fairgrounds where parking costs $10 or $20 depending on the lot. Chris Ruyes said he's sticking to the free parking, even though it's further away. 

"A lot of walking. One of those years where you have a lot of walking for sure," said Ruyes.

If you plan on parking in the neighborhood streets, make sure to check for the no parking signs because Tulsa Police said they will tow cars parked in those areas. Tulsa County Sheriff's Office said because there is no shuttle this year they are preparing for more cars in the area than normal. 

"And with that is the risk of increased car burglaries and vandalism and things like that. So what we would tell people is don't make it easier by leaving your purse on the front seat or leaving a firearm underneath your driver's side seat," said Sheriff Vic Regalado.

Sheriff Regalado said to put everything in the trunk of your car before you get to the fairgrounds and make sure to lock your car doors. 

"Because typically car burglars are there to steal items and if they don't see anything they're not going to waste time," said Sheriff Regalado.

He said if your car is vandalized or broken into while on the fairgrounds to call Tulsa Sheriff's Office. If your car is parked in the neighborhood streets and is vandalized to call TPD.