Street parking within the park has long been free. Motorists still will be able to find street parking outside the park, but that could come at quite a distance unless shuttles are nearby.

Off-site parking lots will also be designated.

On Tuesday, parked cars lined the streets snaking through the park, particularly in the area around the zoo and art museum (along Wells Drive, Government Drive and Fine Arts Drive). The fair’s main concert stage will be at Art Hill.

Most residents interviewed said they would likely stay away from the cultural attractions during the three days of the fair.

“I’m not going to pay to park,” said Julie Solima, of Florissant, who visited the zoo on Thursday and parked on the street for free. “That’s ridiculous.”

The zoo’s two parking lots will be reserved for zoo attendance during the fair, officials said. Those lots normally charge $15 per vehicle.

Susan Gallagher, the zoo’s public relations director, said zoo employees will be directed to park at an expansion site near the old Forest Park Hospital property to free up space within the park.