Strassenfest passes new stricter stage standards - Dubois County Free Press, Inc.

Jasper Lumber setting up the stage in front of the city hall — Jasper Lumber employees Kenny Oeding (fork truck), Kevin Sermersheim and Shane Edwards (bucket) were busy setting up the stage in front of the Jasper City Hall on Tuesday.

Due to the stage collapse at last year’s State Fair new laws were enacted that have added safety measures for all stages in the state.

The Strassenfest stages are being constructed this week and had to undergo rigorous inspection before they were deemed in compliance of the new laws. The committee also had to make some changes in how the ceremonies and stage events will be conducted.

Of particular interest to state investigators are the use of tall stage light rigging. These structures are often made out of aluminum and are subject to the effects of high winds due to being lightweight and the fact that other items like banners are often hung from them. Fortunately, for Strassenfest officials, tall lighting rigs are not used in the stage setups.

However, the stages are affected by a the new perimeter rules that are designed to keep crowds at a distance of one and one-half times the height of rigs.

The number of people allowed on the stages will also be limited to twelve, so the Strassenfest Committee will be announced and come to the stage individually and then walk off after their names have been called.

The Strassenfest starts Thursday, August 2, and runs to Sunday, August 5.

Here is an update to the Strassenfest Fireworks display.