Free Parking Allowed During Bikes, Blues & BBQ

The city of Fayetteville is making certain spots free to the public near and around Dickson Street during Bikes, Blues and Barbeque.

Darrin Wright, field operations supervisor with parking management, said this includes numbered parking spaces 300 and above.

“Besides on Dickson Street, we’ll be open to the public, first come-first serve,” Wright said.

Those who live around Dickson Street near numbers 300 and under can pick up a free parking tag at the City Administration Building.

“If there isn’t a permit or a hand tag in the residential area there will be a $70 ticket issued,” Wright said. 

The Fayetteville Police Department is expected to close Dickson Street exclusively for bikers sometime this week.

Gypsy Shorb, a 7-year vendor during the event, said she doesn’t have trouble finding a parking spot but said getting to the rally early is key.

“Plan on walking, wear your comfortable shoes because you might have to park up the street a ways and actually walk down to see all the events,” Shorb said.

John Englehartt who lives behind Dickson Street said he will avoid commuting back and forth to his home during the bike rally.

“I’m planning to leave town, it’s just a little much for me but you know that’s alright, it brings revenue to the town,” Englehartt said.

The city waives parking costs every year during Bikes, Blues and Barbeque as a benefit to visitors and to those living nearby.

“If you live down here you really want a place to park. Although, we like our folks coming in from out of town but we like our residents to have a place to park as well,” Wright said.  

On any other day, parking 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. is 50 cents/hr, 5 p.m. and later is $1 or $5 fee for the entire day.

Fayetteville parking officials said the waiver doesn’t include meter spaces on the Fayetteville Square.