Rainy weather can’t stop the Durham Fair, but there’s a detour this year for those headed to the fairgrounds. Downpours earlier this week created a mess and that will affect parking.
“We had a couple of setbacks this year with weather, but everybody has pretty much stepped up. Our community has been phenomenal,” said Daniel Miramant, Durham Fair president.
Crews covered muddy paths in rocks and school buses shuttled in fairgoers.
The regular parking fields were soaked and not suitable for cars, s organizers went to plan B: offering free parking in Wallingford at Tilcon, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield.
“It will probably be a little confusing for a couple of days. We just want everybody to be patient and pay attention to the sign directions that are directing people to the appropriate lots,” Miramant said.
Learn more about the parking plan here.
Those who parked off-site said it was no big deal.
“The parking lots are huge. The buses pick you right up, take you here and take you back. So it’s really not that much of an inconvenience,” Fran Griffing, of Middlefield, said.
Fair volunteers here are hard workers. When Hurricane Gloria swept through in 1985, the fair opened just one day late.
The 99th Durham Fair kicked off on Thursday to the delight of longtime fairgoers and the event goes through Sunday.
“Just have a great family time together,” Janice Baker, of Durham, said.
Editor's Note: A prior version of the story said there would be free parking in Wethersfield. It is in Wallingford at Tilcon, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield.
