TULSA - While many Tulsans excitedly await the start of the Tulsa State Fair, many midtown residents near the Expo Center dread the parking issues that come with the event.
Neighbors in the area say they want the extra cars off the streets and not blocking their homes.
"They’ll park along the side of the street that doesn't have the signage," homeowner Norm Hodges. “A fire truck couldn't get down here. I've already seen that.”
Other neighborhoods lining the fairgrounds agree.
"As the hours go on, especially on the weekends, they'll park where they probably shouldn't, and they'll end up with a ticket," said homeowner Kathy Graybill.
WANT MORE ABOUT THE FAIR? Our special section has useful information about shuttles, new food, deals, attractions, competitions, how you can meet our 2 Works for You team, and so much more.
The City of Tulsa says that won't change this year. They’ve prohibited parking in several spots including yards, and sidewalks, even within ten feet of fire hydrants. Violators will be slapped with fines as high as $60 but some neighbors don't see the problem.
Parking is prohibited
- Within 10 feet of fire hydrants
- In yards (on lawn/grass)
- Between curbs and sidewalks
- In Tow Away Zones
- In areas with the following signage: NO PARKING DURING STATE FAIR DATES
“They need to be lenient on it. People are just trying to have fun,” said homeowner Tommy Edwards.
Edwards misses the days of piling fair traffic onto his lawn.
“A lot of people are coming to the fair to spend money on their kids, not to spend it on parking. So they're just trying to find a parking place,” said Edwards.
But Hodges is ready to see some enforcement.
“I encourage the police to write as many tickets as they'd like to. I don't think they write enough, but it gets congested out here,” said Hodges.
Fines go for homeowners as well. If officers catch you parking cars in your yard, that fine could be as high as $500.
The city says they won't hesitate to even tow illegally parked cars. That’s why organizers are urging people this year to use the shuttle and keep these roads clear for the people who live there.
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