MARSHFIELD − If traffic is the only complaint about the Marshfield Fair this year, Marshfield police Lt. Arthur Shaw will be happy.
“There’s going to be traffic no matter what we do,” he said. “There’s no magic pill to fix this.”
Crowds are to be expected around the fairgrounds at 140 Main St. during the 10-day fair, which starts Friday, Aug. 16.
Shaw offered some tips and tricks for fair attendees and Marshfield residents to prepare for the influx of cars.
First, the route to the fair: If at all possible, try to avoid making a left turn north onto Main Street from eastbound Route 139, Shaw said. The configuration of lights at that intersection isn’t optimal for that left turn and may lead to longer wait times to turn.
More: The Marshfield Fair is quickly approaching. Here’s what to expect inside the gates
Instead, another option to get to the fair that he suggested is to continue east on Route 139 and turn left to head north on Willow Street, then making another left onto South River Street before making a right on Main Street. Better yet, before that, take a left on Furnace Street from eastbound Route 139 at Marshfield High School, then take a right onto Main Street.
Regardless, he said, Route 139 and Main and South River streets will be busy, especially between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Marshfield police will use a drone to help with the Marshfield Fair
The police department will deploy a drone to direct traffic, help with parking or even assist if a child gets lost on the fairgrounds.
Where to park at the Marshfield Fair
Running out of places to park can contribute to traffic issues. The fair is striping its Gate E lot, which will add more parking spaces. Parking will also be available at Grace Ryder Housing Center and South River School, and some residents who live near the fairgrounds have received permits to sell parking spots on their properties, Shaw said.
Shaw encouraged attendees to carpool or even use rideshare services, for which there will be a dedicated pickup and drop-off location. That’s something police saw more of during the Levitate Music and Arts Festival last month, Shaw said. Levitate is held on the same property as the Marshfield Fair.
If there is a rainout, the following day will be extra busy, Shaw noted. Be patient, he said.
Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 2024 Marshfield Fair: How to deal with the traffic
Source Agencies
