Rain dampens some holiday plans

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A third straight day of stray rain showers caused some fans to go home frowning Monday, while others refused to let the remnants of Hurricane Isaac dampen their holiday plans.

For much of the afternoon, dry rubbed ribs were served under mostly dry skies at the annual Rib America Festival at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. But, earlier in the day, scattered showers dampened the small crowd on hand.

Still, many refused to let their Labor Day spirit be drowned out.

“No, not really today,” said Jena Abell, of Indianapolis, when asked if the weather scared her family away from attending the festival. “We waited it out for yesterday. It's such a good time here, we decided it's now or never!”

Heavy downpours put the festival on hold Sunday afternoon, though headliners Night Ranger and Tesla performed as scheduled. It was the second straight year that the festival asked patrons to leave because of inclement weather.

“It's been challenging. I would be flippant if I didn't say that. But, we've only lost one show, and that was in the afternoon yesterday. We had a great crowd last night. We think we'll rally strong today,” said Rib America Fest spokesman Ray Compton.

Compton said it was too early to know how total attendance figures for this year’s event would stack up against previous years.

For some vendors at the festival, profits also fell along with the rain. Still, for many, Monday represented a chance at redemption.

“We closed up a little early yesterday, so I got some rest. When I'm rested, I can go a little faster,” laughed Judge Smith of Judge’s BBQ in Indianapolis.

“Friday was good, Saturday was hit and miss and Sunday was not a total loss, but we didn’t do much [business] at all. But, we’re very optimistic we’ll finish strong,” he continued.

But, nothing was crossing the finish line at Lucas Oil Raceway, Monday.

With the track still too wet for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, fans left disappointed for the second straight day.

“It wasn't going to allow us to get racing. We were working on the track to get some rubber off. So, we decided to come back for next weekend,” said Raceway spokesman Scott Smith.

Qualifying will now moved to Saturday and elimination will be held on Sunday at 11a.m. Some drivers found a silver lining in the delay, Smith said.

“The fans left a little disappointed, but they are a little more excited because they get a chance to try to make it in this Saturday and Sunday. Robert Hies, Cruise Perdrgrone, Larry Morgan, drivers that were on the outside looking in, that did not qualify now, we will re-open the qualifying and we will give those drivers the opportunity to try and get into the field,” Smith said.

Soggy conditions also forced the cancelation of Monday's celebrity shootout at Crooked Stick Golf Course. Organizers of this weekend's BMW Championship are now working to get the course ready for the PGA to arrive in Hamilton County on Tuesday. The remaining events at the course are expected to attract around 150,000 fans and visitors.