GOP, DEMS SET FOR TRUMP’S WARREN COUNTY RALLY
The Warren County LEBANON —
Sheriff ’s Office today explained some of the rules for the public concerning President Donald Trump’s rally Friday evening at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon.
“For those planning to attend, please know the fairgrounds will not be open to the public before 2 p.m. on Friday. If you arrive early, you will be asked to leave while the area is secured beginning at 11:30 a.m. Under no circumstances will vehicles be permitted to stage, park or line up on Broadway until the gates are open,” the statement from Chief Deputy Barry K. Riley said.
Gates are to open at 4 p.m. The rally is to begin at 7 p.m.
“Once the fairgrounds are open, all persons will be required to enter through the track, where a series of security checkpoints await. Carpooling is strongly encouraged as parking will be limited. Vehicles traveling north on Broadway will enter at Gate 2. Vehicles traveling south will enter at Gate 1. Pedestrians who park elsewhere will be directed to the track and the security checkpoints. Limited handicap parking is available.”
Democrats plan to counter the rally on Friday with one of their own, just south of the Trump rally site.
“I guess he’s campaigning for ‘20. We’re going to go out and do a more positive thing,” Bethe Goldenfield, chair of the Warren County Democratic Party, said.
Goldenfield said the counter-rally promoting candidates in November’s election would be on city property at 511 N. Broadway, south of the fairgrounds and north of Lebanon’s historic Berry
School.
Warren County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Monroe predicted the Trump rally would dwarf anything planned by Democrats.
“You ought to count the people at their rally and the people at our rally,” Monroe said. “I’m confident it will be an overwhelming crowd.”
Both sides predicted the events would help their campaigns leading up to the November election.
“It doesn’t matter your politics,” said Gene Steiner, president of the Warren County Agricultural Society, which operates the fairgrounds. “It’s exciting. Anytime we have an opportunity to host our president, it’s exciting.”
On Wednesday, Cincinnati Bell crews were working to provide data requirements of the event. The county sheriff ’s office was on the scene as work crews began set-up.
Trump and others making speeches are to be in Building E, a covered, open-air event facility near the southwestern corner of the fairgrounds.
Steiner said fair board officials met with the Secret Service over the weekend and the capacity for the building for the event was being discussed by fire and emergency officials.
An overflow area for people attending the rally has been designated next to Building E.
“Overflow parking will be at Colonial Park West, directly across from the Fairgrounds. There will be no parking attendants at Colonial Park West.
The park will remained closed until needed,” according to the sheriff’s office release.
“Persons driving through the City of Lebanon in the afternoon/evening can expect significant traffic delays and sporadic road closures. While exact details of the route will not be released by our agency, motorists can also expect significant delays and closures on the northern loop of I-275, I-71 from I-275, I-71 to Ohio 48 and on Ohio 48 from I-71 in the late afternoon during rush hour. Please be patient and give yourself extra time, make alternate travel plans or avoid the area.”
“Attendees should also be aware there is very limited seating available, and bleacher seating will be on a first-come basis.”