CLAY COUNTY, Fla — With the Clay County Fair set to open on Thursday, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook is offering some advice to those heading to the fair.

Sheriff Cook recommends leaving early if you have to be there for a concert or if you have to be there at a certain time. “We keep getting hit with ‘traffic is a nightmare.’ Last year, the longest traffic wait we had was 30 minutes, so we’re expecting smooth traffic this year,” said Sheriff Cook, in a video posted to social media. “The one caveat that we need to throw in here, though, is that we’ll have new roads open, and it’s going to be interesting to see how those play into the overall traffic [flow]. At the end of the day, we have a two-lane road leading in and out of this property.”

When it comes to parking, Sheriff Cook says the sheriff’s office has a method. “Once you come onto the property, if you would follow [the deputies’] direction, we will get you parked very, very quickly, but you need to pay attention, especially when you come onto the property and listen to the directions that are given to you.”

Sheriff Cook adds that the Saferwatch app will be the primary tool for communicating traffic situations or any issues at the fair.

You can find more information on the Clay County Fair on the fair’s website.

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