Going to Republican caucus or outdoor living show? Get to Century II early

If you’re caucusing for the Republican Party or going to the Outdoor Living and Landscape Show on Saturday, get there early.

The events overlap each other at Century II – the Republican caucus is in the Convention Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the show is in the Exposition Hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Despite the expected “cluster of cars and traffic jams,” organizers at the Outdoor Living and Landscape Show see the caucus as a potential boon.

“That’s an opportunity to get more people in the door,” said Brad Horning, director of marketing and promotions for Entercom, which puts on the show. “They’re in town or at least in the proximity of Century II to potentially become a customer of ours.”

When the three-day show was planned, organizers did not know that the timing of the caucus would coincide with it, Horning said.

“Our show is based on a seasonal time of the year – it always falls on the first weekend of March,” he said. “(Caucus-goers) can see all the excitement and beauty from our show, and more so when they’re leaving. Maybe they’ll stop by here and attend both things.”

People coming to Century II for the Outdoor Living and Landscape Show are encouraged to park at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, Horning said. The show is running shuttles between the stadium and Century II throughout the day.

Horning said he expects a large gathering Saturday. “It’s going to be a busy part of town downtown.”

Century II has hired off-duty Wichita police officers to help direct traffic in the area, said Capt. Jose Salcido, a supervisor at Patrol South.

Wichita police Deputy Chief Gavin Seiler did not respond to a message left Friday about security measures in place Saturday.

There are approximately 324 parking spots in Century II’s main parking lot, and they are all metered. But Salcido said Friday night that police will not enforce the meters on Saturday.

With a Donald Trump rally expected to start around 9 a.m. Saturday, those spots will likely be taken early.

If you are willing to walk a block or two, there is ample on-street parking on English, Market, Broadway and William streets. Because meters on city streets are only enforced Monday through Friday, you don’t have to pay to park there.

Tickets to the Outdoor Living and Landscape Show can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit www.outdoorlivingandlandscapeshow.com.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Going to Republican caucus or outdoor living show? Get to Century II early."