A new safety fence is being installed around the Grandstand at the Illinois State Fairgrounds The fence is supposed to withstand impacts at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. At 15 feet tall it’s about double the height of the old fence.
Amy Bliefnick is the Illinois State Fair manager. She says the fence costs nearly $50,000 dollars, but it’s worth it:
BLIEFNICK: “We’ve been very blessed that we’ve never had an accident before but it doesn’t mean it it’s not time we re-evaluate and make sure we offer a secure environment for our fair-goers.”
Bliefnick says the fair could have eventually lost the chance to host some of its motor-races if the safety updates were not made.
