Parking plentiful at fair with forgotten second lot

The expansion of the Kootenai County Jail earlier this year has not inhibited parking for the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo.

Fair officials say parking is ample and hassle-free.

"For years, we had a race track in the center of the grounds," said fair manager Chris Holloway. "The race track is gone, and we want people to understand there is no shortage of parking. People might perceive that the jail expansion has eliminated fair parking, but there is not a parking shortage."

The traditional fair entrance along Government Way is still the best choice for anyone needing handicap-accessible parking. But there is a second parking entrance to the fairgrounds off Kathleen Avenue that many do not know about. Just go east on Kathleen, past Government Way, and the parking lot is to the north.

Fairgoers can enter through the blue or red gates, known as the main entrance, off Government Way, or the gold gate off Kathleen Avenue. The gold-gated parking area is complete with an asphalt walkway to the fairgrounds.

The North Idaho Fair contracts with the Kiwanis Club for parking. Kiwanis Club members direct traffic to facilitate easy parking for fairgoers.

Fair staff members encourage drivers to park in the lot off Kathleen Avenue to provide more space in the main lot for those who do not know about the second lot.

"It takes a long time to get people to change habits because their habits become traditions," Holloway said.

Cost for parking in either fair lot is a $1 donation.

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