Every Labor Day weekend, Justin Dearborn’s yard transforms into a finely-tuned parking operation, where each car is strategically parked to ensure a smooth exit whether you’re the first to arrive or the last to leave as the Hopkinton State Fair swings into full gear.

For the past 15 years, Dearborn has perfected this art, squeezing up to 32 cars on his property alongside Hopkinton home on Park Avenue.

“There’s a kind of science to it,” Dearborn said. “That’s all situational to your property.”

With his yard directly across from one of the fair entrances, he charges $10 per car. While the earnings don’t quite compare to his regular job, Dearborn still finds it worthwhile.

“It’s not that much money,” he said. “I can make way more just normally working, but it’s still better than nothing.”

Dearborn isn’t alone in this seasonal tradition. Many of his neighbors on Park Avenue and Kearsarge Avenue also convert their lawns and driveways into makeshift parking lots, taking advantage of the yearly influx of thousands of fairgoers.

Dawn and James Howe, Dearborn’s neighbors, have been at it for 24 seasons. James Howe said it’s almost like having a second full-time job.

Before the fair kicks off on Thursday, the Howes mow their lawn, and on the morning of the event, they put up a sign to let people know there’s parking available.

Once cars start rolling in, one of them always has to be on hand, directing vehicles to the right spots.

Dearborn makes sure to stock up on essentials like food, treating it like prepping for a storm, because once the fair is in full swing, getting on the road, especially on Saturday and Sunday, becomes a challenge.

“It’s fun,” said Howe. “But some days it gets a little frustrating because you really can’t go anywhere. You’re kind of trapped there.”

Howe’s yard can hold nearly double the number of cars as Dearborn’s, fitting 75 vehicles and sitting just 200 feet from the fair’s entrance.

All the neighbors who open up their yards for parking during the fair charge the same rate—$10. A few years back, it was $5, but a meeting was held to ensure everyone charged equally.

“If one of us is raising the prices, and other people are not, somebody’s going to lose,” said Howe.

Even though Howe and Dearborn don’t get to enjoy the fair, they don’t feel like they’re missing out. They pop over to each other’s houses, hang out for a bit, then return to managing the parking, just like the rest of the neighbors.

Every year, the residents who open their yards for parking recognize familiar faces, regulars who return year after year. It’s become a cherished community ritual.

“It’s a good feeling,” Dearborn said.”They’re surprisingly loyal. If they park here, they remember, and they come back.”

Howe agreed.

“There’s a camaraderie where everybody is happy,” said Howe. “It gives us a chance to get together and see how we’re all doing.”

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com