Young Dancers Nearly Struck by Falling Stage at Great American State Fair

The Great American State Fair hasn’t exactly lived up to its billing, with early headlines dominated by weak attendance, steep food prices, and a slew of canceled musical acts. And that was before a near-disastrous scene unfolded Thursday afternoon, when a piece of scaffolding from the Salute Stage nearly struck a group of young dancers rehearsing below. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it was definitely a close call.

This weekend could be even more precarious at the Great American State Fair, with temperatures forecast to exceed 100 degrees and Donald Trump promising to “make a really long speech just to show that I can do anything.”

The stage is falling apart at the rehearsal for Freedom 250's July 4th celebration. pic.twitter.com/bPbg94hp6X

— Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) July 2, 2026