If you’re planning to go to the Vidalia Onion Festival Air Show, Arts and Crafts, or carnival this weekend, you should know that extra steps have been taken this year to minimize the traffic congestion that in the past has been an issue.
Brian Scott is the Safety and Security Coordinator for this year’s Vidalia Onion Festival, and said, “In 2022, Vidalia saw the most attendees of any air show in history. Tablets used at the entry gates relied on cellular data to scan tickets for prepaid and same-day tickets. This overwhelmed cellular towers which caused delays. This year, Altamaha Fiber has run dedicated lines to the gates which should provide reliable access.”
Scott has collaborated with other responders in the area to coordinate a plan including the Vidalia Police Department, Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Public Safety, Toombs Emergency Management Agency, Lyons Police Department, and a private security company to coordinate a feasible plan for this year.
“The plan is designed to keep air show traffic separate from the arts and crafts and the carnival during the day on Saturday and Sunday,” Scott said. “Way-finding signs have been placed along Highway 280 and adjacent side streets to assist motorists with navigation to these events.”
According to the plan, general air show admission which includes sponsors, Mayor’s guests and media guest will enter off Matthews Industrial Circle, according to Scott. Motorists traveling eastbound on Highway 280 will turn right on McNatt Street; motorists traveling westbound on Highway 280 will turn left onto Harris Industrial Boulevard. Attendees who purchased pre-paid premium parking as well as vendors and volunteers at the air show will enter on Pete Phillips Drive.
Attendees and visitors to the Airs and Crafts and carnival venues will enter on Commerce Way.
While diligence has been exercised, remember that this is the one time of year that a little extra patience in getting from Point A to Point B should be exercised as everyone is in town to celebrate the harvest of the world’s sweetest onions and enjoy the annual Vidalia Onion Festival.
For more information on this year’s traffic flow or any or the events of the 47th Vidalia Onion Festival, log onto www.vidaliaonionfestival.com or download the QR code on your device’s app store.
