INDIANAPOLIS —
The Indiana State Fair that opened today is trying to shake off the emotional and economic shadow of last year’s deadly stage collapse, pumping up the event’s appeal in hopes of drawing back crowds whose faith in the annual tradition was shaken by the tragedy.
Stage rigging fell onto a crowd waiting for the country duo Sugarland to take the stage as high winds slashed through the city ahead of an approaching storm last Aug. 13. Seven people died and dozens more were injured, including some who are still struggling to recover.
The collapse sparked months of investigations and lawsuits amid questions about why the show wasn’t canceled or postponed. In the year since, fair officials have made sweeping changes to their safety procedures and changed the organization’s management structure. Lawmakers passed a bill requiring state inspections of such temporary structures.
Fair officials and vendors hope it’s enough to bring people back to rebuild fond memories of an event many liken to a family reunion.
“I think it’s a good idea to bring people back out and let them know the fair is a safe place,” said Chris Tincher of Corydon, whose family has been bringing its deep-fried candy stand to the fair for about 50 years.
Still, the impact of last year’s collapse will be evident even beyond the memorial plaque outside the grandstand that honors the seven people killed.
Ticket prices are up and a new parking fee has been implemented as officials try to recover from a steep drop in revenue after the collapse, which forced the fair to cancel several big concerts and close for a day. Attendance was down 8 percent from 2010, and the fair’s overall revenue fell from $11.9 million in 2010 to $8.38 million in 2011.
This year’s headline concerts, which include shows from Barry Manilow, Train and Blake Shelton, have been moved to Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis. That takes people — and the money they’d spend at the fair — off the fairgrounds for events that typically are big draws.
Fair organizers hope to offset that impact by increasing shows on a permanent free stage, where acts like REO Speedwagon and MC Hammer will perform. The grandstand will offer more thrill-based entertainment, like motorcycle races, tractor pulls and monster truck rallies.
“This is the most programmed that we’ve ever been,” fair spokesman Andy Klotz said.
The fair also is promoting options for discounted tickets and is offering concertgoers who attend the downtown shows free admission on any day of the 17-day fair.
“We believe this fair will be about healing,” said Fair Commission Executive Director Cindy Hoye.
While she says the fair must move on and get back to being a place where people go to celebrate Indiana tradition, Hoye noted it’s important to pay respects to the victims of the collapse.
A moment of silence is planned for 8:46 p.m. Aug. 13, the anniversary of the collapse. Amusement rides, games and concession stands will come to a halt, perhaps for as long as five minutes.
Lindsey Lewis, 21, a Purdue University student from Greenfield who is working at the Indiana Pork tent this year, was at the grandstand with a friend the night of the collapse but left as storm clouds approached.
“When that accident happened, like all of us came together and kind of grieved even if we didn’t know the people,” Lewis said. “And I think that’s what this year is all about — coming together.”
Sam Malcolm, a farm product sales manager from Garrett who was helping his three children prepare for a 4-H hog show Thursday, said the stage collapse was terrible, but what matters now is “how you react to what happened.”
“It’s taking what you’re dealt in life and moving forward,” he said.
Top Story 3
Related Photos
-
The Indiana State Fair begins Aug. 3 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. (AP File Photo/The Indianapolis Star, Rob Goebel)
Discussion
Indiana State Fair opens today
Officials hope fair-goers can rebuild fond memories following last year’s tragedy
- Top Story 3
-
-
UPDATE 4: Deadly tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 51 people were killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.
-
UPDATE: 5 killed, 6 injured in I-70 van crash in Illinois
ST. LOUIS — A van carrying church members returning from a California gathering careened off of a southern Illinois freeway and overturned several times today, killing five people and sending six others to hospitals, authorities said.
-
2 children reported dead from Indianapolis fire
INDIANAPOLIS — Authorities say some autistic children lived in the Indianapolis condominium unit where a fire has killed two children.
-
Update: Oklahoma, other tornado-hit states brace for more
SHAWNEE, Okla. — When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
-
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
LAS VEGAS — Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
-
10 Things to Know for Monday
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Monday, May 20:
-
Longtime weatherman Jesse Walker relates well to people of Wabash Valley
While in middle and high school, Jesse Walker developed a strong interest in the weather. He thought about a career at the National Weather Service or at a storm prediction center, but the idea of becoming a television meteorologist never entered his mind.
-
Veterans take to the trees
Cristal Bednar took photos of her husband, Justin, as he laboriously climbed his way up a “Dangle-Duo” to get to a zipline at Indiana State University’s Sycamore Outdoor Center.
-
A battle of secret tactics
The embarrassing arrest of a suspected CIA officer in Moscow is the latest reminder that, even after the Cold War, the U.S. and Russia are engaged in an espionage battle with secret tactics, spying devices and training that sometimes isn't enough to avoid being caught.
-
UPDATE: Fire damages buildings in downtown Greencastle
GREENCASTLE, Ind. — Fire badly damaged several buildings today near the courthouse square in Greencastle, with flames shooting through the roofs as firefighters from several communities were called in to the central Indiana city to help.
-
‘A Song for Indiana’ to raise money for Dresser sculpture
Art Spaces will present “A Song for Indiana – The Paul Dresser Project” at 5:30 p.m. on June 6 at the Holiday Inn of Terre Haute.
-
MARK BENNETT: Local summer music series idea remains a good one
One-of-a-kind ideas happen rarely.
As the biblical adage goes, there is nothing new under the sun. We humans succeed occasionally, inventing electricity, automobiles, telephones and the Internet. Invariably, though, someone else insists, “Hey, my grandpa thought of that years before Edison.” -
Rapper Drake leads BET Awards with 12 nominations
NEW YORK — He started from the bottom, but now he’s on top at the BET Awards: Drake has 12 nominations. BET announced the nominees Tuesday. Rappers Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz are up for eight awards each.
-
Popular psychologist Joyce Brothers dead at 85
Joyce Brothers, the pop psychologist who pioneered the television advice show in the 1950s and enjoyed a long and prolific career as a syndicated columnist, author, and television and film personality, has died. She was 85.
-
More than just a mother, now she's your 'friend'
Josh Knoller, a young professional in New York City, spent years refusing his mother's "Friend Request" on Facebook before, eventually, "caving in."
-
Terre Haute’s Judson Hill band to unveil new album
The four-member group hopes its new album, “Beauty in Goodbye,” catches ears in the recording industry. They’ll unveil the 10-song CD in their hometown of Terre Haute this weekend, and play it live in March at Nashville’s iconic 12th & Porter club.
-
VIDEO: Mural unveiling today at Children's Museum
The public unveiling of the mural "Flightful Fantasy: We Can Fly, We Can Fly!" is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today, Oct. 5, on the third floor of the Terre Haute Children's Museum at Eighth Street and Wabash Avenue.
-
Motorcycle ride to celebrate Mellencamp’s birthday, support charities
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle rides in southern Indiana have plans to host a Hurts So Good charity ride as a tribute to Seymour native John Mellencamp in honor of his 61st birthday on Sunday, Oct. 7.
-
J.K. Rowling’s debut novel for adults worth a read
“The Casual Vacancy” (Little, Brown and Company), by J.K. Rowling.
So look, here’s the thing: This. Is. Not. A. Children’s. Book. If you’re looking for what made Harry Potter magical — Wizards! Spells! Flying Broomsticks! — you’re not going to find it. -
SLIDESHOW: This year's 15 hottest toys
Is it too early to start your holiday shopping? Not according to Toys R Us, which just released its "Hot Toy List" for 2012. Check out the top 15 toys that made the list. Find all 50 at toysrus.com/hottoys.
-
Silly Safaris brings live show to Children’s Museum
Do you want to get really close to some amazing animals? Would you like to touch some of your favorites? Then join the Terre Haute Children’s Museum at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, for a live animal show with Silly Safaris.
-
VIDEO: Mark Bennett: Hoosier trio dodges ditches on way to Terre Haute Blues Fest
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band has a critically acclaimed new album and video, and will perform Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Blues at the Crossroads Festival in downtown Terre Haute.
-
VIDEO: Outdoor Indiana magazine features Shades State Park, namesake of Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Outdoor Indiana magazine’s September-October issue features Shades State Park, located near Waveland in Parke, Montgomery and Fountain counties. Once known as The Shades of Death before it became a state park, it’s the most primitive state park in Indiana.
-
Art of the camera phone: Best photo apps
There are hundreds of apps out there for the iPhone photographer — some great, others less so. But just as with coffee, it's all a matter of taste. The fun thing is, it's only your own taste that matters.
-
Take a trip to Little Italy
Where can you find authentic Italy and be welcomed as an “honorary Italian” during Labor Day weekend in the Wabash Valley? Only in Clinton can visitors find themselves taking a step back in time and enjoying a piece of history created by Italian immigrants.
-
Listen to radios? Watch TVs? Not for the Class of ’16
Those born mostly in 1994 see the world in a much different way.
-
Max Jones: Dances for CHANCES — great fun for worthy cause
Many years ago — too many to ponder at the moment — I joined a community theater troupe in Sullivan and had the opportunity to perform in several Broadway musicals. In one instance, I was fortunate to have the lead role portraying George M. Cohan in the musical “George M!”
-
Mark Bennett: Food hub puts focus on overlooked sector of state
The ideal setting for a campaign ad is rural Indiana.
Candidates crave to be filmed strolling through rows of bean fields, wearing rolled-up sleeves, jeans and boots, and pointing into the distance, while a farmer in bib-overalls and a grain cap looks on in admiration. -
The call you can't answer with an iPhone to your ear
On family vacations, it's important for parents to be "present" (that is, not glued to their smartphones).
-
What the next iPhone is going to look like
When CEO Tim Cook announces the next iPhone sometime next month, industrial designers and Apple obsessives are going to scrutinize all of the changes, but I bet ordinary users won't look twice.
- More Top Story 3 Headlines
-
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Tornadoes Spotted in Kansas
Today in History for May 20th
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Obama Exhorts Good Deeds by Morehouse Graduates
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Celebs Celebrate the Rise of the Side Butt
Grizzly bear gets up close and personal with camera
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
