Parking Info

All pilgrims arriving by Charter or School Bus must use Exit 27 from the New York State Thruway and follow signs for State Route 5S to the Shrine. (If you try to approach the Shrine from Exit 28 of the Thruway, the bus will not be able to make the turn onto Shrine premises). It is imperative that group coordinators have their bus driver's cell phone number. Bus passengers should not leave anything on the bus that they will need during the day. Many buses will be parked off the Shrine campus. Upon arrival, the bus coordinator should inform organizers — and then all of their fellow pilgrims on the bus — what time they are requesting for the pick up at the end of the day, so that can be efficiently coordinated. They should then ask all of their pilgrims to be present five minutes before that pick-up time so that buses do not have to wait for lost pilgrims. It is essential that bus coordinators have a list of all of their attendees and their cell numbers in case they get separated. Those traveling on buses will receive their ID badges from their parish, university or group coordinator on the bus.  Those traveling on buses are asked to give themselves a little extra time, as we are expecting more than 100 buses. 

Those coming to the Shrine by car or van should exit from the New York State Thruway at Exit 28 and follow signs to "Event Parking." You will be led to the Fonda-Fultonville Central Schools Complex, 112 Old Johnstown Road, Fonda, NY, if you would like to punch that into your GPS. There are three school in this complex and acres of parking. If there is a need for overflow parking, State Police will then direct to the Fonda Fairgrounds.  Once parked, please take everything you will need for the day and walk to the Shuttle Bus signs. Special shuttle vehicles will be available for those who may have a disability or need extra assistance. Shuttle buses will be available all day and night should you need to return to your vehicle for any reason. At peak times, they will be leaving the Shrine as well as the parking lots every four minutes. They will be running on Friday, October 20, from 4 pm to 11 pm, on Saturday, October 21, from 6 am to 11 pm, and on Sunday, October 22 from 6 am to 2 pm. 

Individuals in wheel chairs must park in the Town of Fonda Municipal Lot on Bridge Street South (Rt 30A) across from the Fonda Fairgrounds (see map).  A special wheel chair accessible vehicle will pick them up there and transport them to the Shrine. If you are not in a wheel chair, but still need handicap parking, please go to the Fonda-Fultonville Central Schools, 112 Old Johnstown Road in Fonda and park in the handicap spots.  Transportation to the Shrine will be available from there. While on the property, there will be special golf carts to help those with disabilities more easily maneuver the campus.