On Victoria Day, a shuttle service proved to be a big success at the Virgil Stampede, easing parking headaches and earning quick praise from riders and organizers alike.
The shuttle service, paid for by the Virgil Business Association, ran every 20 minutes from noon to 11 p.m. on May 19, marking the first time in the fair’s history that visitors have been given the option to take a shuttle.
“This is the first year we’re running buses, so people don’t have to worry about being towed on Four Mile Creek,” said Sharron VanNoort, who directed people onto the shuttle from United Menonnite Church.
Staff at the lot tallied 186 riders between noon and 9 p.m., with a few trips going uncounted.
“I’m very happy with how it went. Every load had people on it and mid-afternoon guests were very happy with the shuttle,” said VanNoort.
After a 10-minute ride, passengers were dropped off beside Meridian Credit Union Arena, in front of the main gate entrance to the Stampede.
“We had people come, and then they decided they were going to go try and find a parking spot closer to the Stampede and then shortly they came back to use the shuttle because they couldn’t find a parking spot,” said VanNoort.
The tester service paid off as people regularly boarded the bus from the Mennonite Church parking lot.
Mike Paul, who supervised the drop-off area at the Virgil Stampede, said he hopes the shuttle will be a feature at future Stampedes.
“I’ve watched cars spill onto Four Mile Creek for 25 years, so having a dedicated shuttle makes the Stampede a lot safer,” said Paul.
“The shuttle is meant to alleviate traffic because parking is a problem every year, and this makes it safer,” said VanNoort.
Cars that once lined the shoulder of Four Mile Creek Road have long frustrated residents and emergency crews. By eliminating on-site parking on Monday, the Stampede expects smoother traffic flow and fewer tow-aways.
“It’s a good option and it’s free for everyone,” said VanNoort. “I can see as the years go on, this could really take off.”
Fireworks at dusk draw the day’s biggest crowd, so a second coach joined the loop at 9 p.m. to keep lines short and get everyone back to their cars safely.
