Crina and Martin Alvarez do a juggling act during their Aquatic Acrobat show Tuesday, July 12, at the Kosciusko County Fair. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

Part of a large crowd sits on the lawn of the grandstand at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Tuesday night, July 12. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – When was the last time a show in the grandstand had to be delayed to accommodate a surging crowd?

It happened Tuesday, July 12, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds as fans filled the grandstand and spilled over into grassy areas for the Monster Truck Mash.

The crowds were so big Tuesday that it caused a backup of traffic on Smith Street and organizers began sending incoming traffic to alternative parking lots.

The monster truck show was delayed 15 minutes to allow more time for fans to arrive. An usher at the front gate of the grandstand tried to divert outgoing traffic to the side gates.

“I love it!” said Sheal Dirck, fair board treasurer, who was helping with parking efforts Tuesday.

While he did not have details on the crowd size, he said it was “definitely better” than anything in recent years.

While several folks said the monster trucks are often a good draw, it seemed like a perfect setting Tuesday (Kids Day) with pleasant weather conditions.

Community photographer Al Disbro, positioned on a deck looking over the track, said he’d never seen the grandstand so packed.

Dawn Harris worked to divert people leaving the grandstand to use side gates to cut down on congestion at the main gate. She said she’s seen similarly large crowds for previous monster truck shows.

“It’s a great event. The crowd is fantastic,” Harris said.

Fans gathered for the monster truck show and sang along with the song, YMCA, before the show Tuesday, July 12, in the grandstand. InkFreeNew photo by Dan Spalding.