TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Texarkana Arkansas Police Department has released information on traffic flow and security measures for the Four States Fair and Rodeo.
The fair starts Friday at Four States Fairgrounds.
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Police officers recommend motorists who are not attending the fair to avoid Four States Parkway Drive during peak fair hours. Drivers will experience delays at the intersections of Arkansas Boulevard and Four States Fair Parkway Drive and Interstate 30 at Four States Fair Parkway Drive.
TRAFFIC ENTERING THE FAIRGROUNDS
From the north: Traffic will be pushed to U of A Way and split into two lanes until an alternate route is needed at East 46th Street.
From the south: East 50th into the main parking lot until it is determined a congested flow is interfering with traffic and East 50th will then become exit traffic only.
TRAFFIC EXITING THE FAIRGROUNDS
Main parking lot will exit on East 50th Street until a time designated for exit only traffic and then U of A Way will be turned into exit only with two lanes out. East 46th Street can be used as exit traffic at the end of the night when this is determined by the traffic commander. East 46th Street will be primarily used for vendors and those participating in the fair as workers, vendors, employees, etc.
East 50th Street from the main parking lot to Sammy Lane and back west on U of A Way will also be considered an option for exit traffic if the roadway is passable.
Once the main gates close at 9:30 p.m., the entry traffic will be stopped for approximately 30 minutes then reopened for pick up traffic only
Entry and exit routes are subject to change depending on the traffic volume.
SAFETY AND SECURITY GUIDELINES
To deter theft, police urge all patrons make sure that no purses or bags are left inside a parked vehicle. Patrons should also ensure that their vehicle doors are locked, and valuables are secured in the trunk before entering the fairgrounds.
Police also suggest that patrons arrive early and park in the main lot nearest the rodeo arena. This parking lot will be patrolled by security and is well lit.
Police officers will exercise zero-tolerance with persons causing trouble or violating security guidelines inside and outside the fair.
Officers will again be enforcing the city curfew ordinance during the fair. The curfew applies to children under the age of 18.
The city curfew begins at 11p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
After curfew, children younger than 18 must be in the immediate company of a parent or guardian while on the fairgrounds property. Children not in the company of an adult may receive citations.
Anyone entering the fairgrounds is subject to metal detector scans. All bags are subject to search by fairgrounds security for weapons and contraband.
Police recommend that large bags and purses not be brought to the fairgrounds. Consolidate belongings into small handbags if necessary.
Children 15 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Anyone with sagging pants or sexually explicit clothing will not be allowed inside or will be escorted off the premises.
No large groups of unsupervised teens will be allowed to roam the fair.
No weapons of any kind are allowed, and violators may be arrested.
If children of any age are left unattended, parents should ensure they have emergency instructions and parental contact information.
When an individual is banned from the fairgrounds, the ban remains in place indefinitely. If a banned individual is later located on fairgrounds property, a citation or arrest for criminal trespassing is likely. People previously banned from the fairgrounds who wish to have the ban removed may contact the fairgrounds office at 903-773-2941.
TAPD and other local and state agencies will be on patrol throughout the fair.