Traveling to the Central Valley of California to attend the world's largest agricultural expo will be an adventure for all who attend. Following are tips designed to make attendees' visits as smooth as possible.

Use time wisely

World Ag Expo offers agriculture's best equipment, technology, products and services from more than 1,600 exhibitors. You will see a wide variety of exhibits, seminars and agricultural innovations at this one-stop shopping place — World Ag Expo — in Tulare, Calif.

Hours, admission

Hours for the 40th annual World Ag Expo are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 13 and 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. Admission is $9. A three-day pass is available at the discounted rate of $24.

Directions by car

The Expo site is located just off Highway 99 in Tulare, midway between Fresno and Bakersfield. Traveling north on Highway 99, exit Avenue 184 or Avenue 200, and follow the signs. Traveling south on Highway 99, exit at Paige Avenue or Avenue 200, and follow the signs. Those traveling from the Porterville and Visalia areas may use the new entrance off Turner Drive on the east side of the Expo grounds.

Parking or quick Park and Ride shuttle service

Free parking is available on the Expo grounds, but attendees are encouraged to utilize the free, off-site parking services. Fast shuttle service directly to the grounds is available at:

A free shuttle bus will travel from each of these locations to the International Agri-Center every

15 minutes, except for the Visalia Mall location, which will depart every 30 minutes. Attendees can purchase admission tickets at the parking area to avoid standing in line at the Expo grounds. Shuttles operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

RV parking with no hookups or dump station is available on the Expo grounds at $7 per night.

Emergency road service

The Automobile Club of Southern California provides free emergency road services daily during World Ag Expo. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Services include assistance with changing tires, jumpstarting dead batteries, emergency supply of fuel, lockout service and minor mechanical first aid. If you are in need of service, look for the blue and white Auto Club Event Support unit in the parking lot or call (559) 688-3896.

Travel by private aircraft

Airfields are located in Tulare, Visalia, Bakersfield and Fresno. Due to safety regulations, please contact the airfield before planning to arrive by private airplane.

Private aircraft can land at Mefford Field in Tulare. FAA tower frequency is 126.4. Temporary ground tower truck frequency is 121.05. Jet A and 100 LL fuel are available. For information, call (559) 684-4310 or fax (559) 685-2323. Mefford Field is located three miles southeast of downtown Tulare. Transportation: Free shuttle service to and from Mefford Field is available during World Ag Expo. Taxis: Dial-A-Ride, phone 559- 688-5706.

Helpful tips for everybody