MATEWAN – With the popularity of the Magnolia Fair growing as the week progresses, finding a place to park can be a nuisance for fairgoers. It’s a headache and necessary evil everyone endures when attending a popular event, however, Rotary Club of Matewan has made the experience easier by transporting patrons via shuttle bus to and from their vehicles.

Some confusion has set in because of pay-to-park sites near the fairgrounds charging fairgoers for convenient parking within walking distance of the fair. The sites, which have been established by private individuals and groups, are not affiliated with the Magnolia Fair or the Rotary Club of Matewan.

In some cases, the residents are using the convenience of their pay-to-park sites as fundraising opportunities for groups like a church or cheerleaders.

Free parking is offered on the grounds and overflow parking lots have been set up at the Matewan High School parking lot and in town. Two shuttle buses, provided by Mingo CAP, run all night long to transport fairgoers to and from their vehicles. The buses also make hourly stops at Smith Towers.

The Magnolia Fair, located a half-mile north of Matewan High School on Rt. 49, continues Friday and Saturday with gates opening at 6 p.m. each evening. Admission is $10.