Emotional tribute at the Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS, IN.(WISH) - It was an emotional tribute to the victims of the State Fair tragedy.

Monday night, fairgoers paused for a moment of silence to remember the victims who died one year ago Monday.

At 8:46 Monday night, hundreds of people stopped what they were doing at the fairgrounds for a moment of silence.

On the one year anniversary of the tragedy, fairgoers took a moment to remember.

It’s a moment many people will never forget - 8:46 p.m., August 13, 2011.

One year later and that day still lingers in the minds of many state fairgoers.

“It’s really hard to believe that it’s been one full year,” said Terry Clifford of Bainbridge, Indiana.

On the one year anniversary of the State Fair tragedy, hundreds of people gathered behind the grandstand to remember the victims and those who were hurt.

The Midway rides stopped for the moment.

Then at 8:46 pm, the names of the seven people who died last year were read over the Public Address System.

Many people traveled for miles to pay their respects.

Mary Rairden didn’t know the victims, but wanted to here.

“It’s really hard because we lost so many people it shouldn’t have never happen from the beginning, but I am happy that they have made changes I just wish it wouldn’t have came at the expense of losing so many people,” she said.

The tragedy brings back vivid memories for Greg Johnson.

He was at the Sugarland Concert celebrating his birthday.

He even took pictures from the beginning to the end.

“I thought it was going to be a lot easier than what it has been today.

I’m going to meet a lot of people that I have seen in a year that we all stayed in contact with, some of those people are in wheelchairs,” Johnson said.

Cheryl Markey injured her head during the concert.

She told 24 Hour News 8 reporter Daniel Miller she doesn’t remember what happened, but will never forget this moment.

State Fair officials wanted to make sure everyone was a part of the moment of silence.

They posted signs in the Midway and on two different occasions they made announcements over the PA.

Operations at the fair resumed at 8:50 p.m.