One of the Wabash Valley’s premier summer events is set for this weekend.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Vigo County Fairgrounds is the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza.
The event that is well known among diesel truck enthusiasts is expected to draw a few thousand spectators and hundreds of diesel pickup trucks. Police say that the large number of fans and vehicles can often result in heavy traffic and several traffic related violations and mishaps as well as unsafe driving that can pose a substantial risk to those attending the event or simply passing by.
The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Excise Police, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Terre Haute Police Department, West Terre Haute Police, and Indiana State University Police Department will be vigorously working to patrol the event.
The festivities also falls within the federally funded Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign currently underway. State, County, and Local officers will be targeting dangerous and impaired driving, and all alcohol related violations, including underage drinking, passenger restraint violations, noise violations, passengers riding in the cargo area of the pickups and the “excessive smoke” statute.
The Indiana State Police will have approximately 50 troopers using marked and unmarked patrol cars, as well as patrol pickups and SUVs, to target those individuals wishing to violate the law. There will also be a strong contingent of traffic enforcement from the other law enforcement agencies.
Many businesses in the area will close their parking lots after hours to discourage large gatherings of random individuals and activity on their lots.
Police officers from surrounding local and county agencies will be assisting local police with security at various businesses in and around the fairgrounds area.
Attendees are encouraged to have a good time, but drive safe and sober, and simply obey the law. Area residents who notice a potentially dangerous congregating problem or traffic safety issue are urged to call local law enforcement.