VENETA, Ore. -- Mosquitoes and "bears" are swarming the Oregon Country Fair this weekend.

Organizers said the blood-sucking pests are thick and hungry, so bring your bug spray.

And state police and county sheriff's deputies plan saturation patrols for the roads around the Veneta, where thousands of people are expected for the 40th edition of the weekend festival in the woods.

Consider taking the free Lane Transit District shuttle from Valley River Center instead of driving to the fair.

What you need to know

There are a few things you need to know if you plan to go to the fair:

• Fair tickets are not sold at the gates. You must have tickets in-hand before you arrive. You can buy them at ticketswest.com,  at some Safeway stores, at the University of Oregon ticket office, at the Hult Center in downtown Eugene or at the LTD shuttle site at Valley River Center.
   
• Three-day passes to the fair have sold out, so you can buy separate single day tickets but not a weekend pass.
   
• Bring cash. There are a few ATMs at the fair, but you don't want to waste your time waiting in line to use one.
   
• Lane County sheriff's deputies and Oregon State Police troopers will be out in force in the Veneta area and warn fairgoers to expect traffic delays and pedestrian traffic along Highways 126 and 36.