The fair opens a 17-day run Friday with new safety procedures and plans to honor the seven people killed and dozens injured when high winds toppled a stage into a crowd of Sugarland fans before the country duo’s concert.
Fair officials hope this is a year of emotional and financial healing. Attendance and revenue fell last year after the collapse, and this year’s fairgoers will face higher ticket prices and a parking fee for the first time.
The grandstand where the collapse occurred won’t host concerts. Those have been moved to Bankers Life Fieldhouse.