I know it’s the end of summer and kids are headed back to school. But if you have one more hurrah in you, I encourage you to head to the Indiana State Fair — especially if you live outside central Indiana.
I am spoiled living with the state fair in my backyard. As I have talked with people in other parts of Indiana, I am always sad they have never enjoyed what I consider one of the best state experiences there is.
So, I’m making my case now that it’s worth the gas. You will learn, laugh and eat, of course.
It runs through Aug. 20 and there are tons of discounts throughout the fair’s run for tickets.
So why should you head to the fairgrounds?
First off, it’s outdoors (aside from some inside moments to cool off in the air conditioning). Everyone says kids need to be more active and this is your chance.
But the fair is for everyone, not just kids.
My husband and I have set aside an afternoon for years now: usually AAA Day for the discount.
We enjoy being able to stop and have a nice glass of wine or taste Indiana craft beers. We pet cute piglets and goats, enjoy the butterfly garden, learn about soybeans in the glass barn and marvel at the 4-H projects that are made by some super-talented youth.
One of my husband’s favorite spots is Pioneer Village on the backside of the track. It includes antique tractors, artisans, homemade ice cream and more.
And then there are the shows and activities. On top of free music concerts, my favorite part of the fair is watching the smaller shows. The lumberjack contests in past years have been a highlight, as well as last year’s diving event. And pig races? Got those too.
Each year there is a theme, and fair officials do a great job with interactive exhibits. Last year it was Indiana’s history with automobiles. There were some beautiful Duesenbergs on display and my husband beat me at changing a tire.
This year, the theme is basketball — with plenty of nods to Hoosier Hysteria. I am looking forward this year to learning more about shoe maven Chuck Taylor.
And there is a midway with lots of rides, too.
If you get tired, hop on the shuttle from the front to the back. Stop in at Hook’s Drug Store Museum and see what an old-time pharmacy looked like, including a soda fountain.
You will work up an appetite, so be sure to have a plan. We are traditionalists and love going to the pork tent. But I also go out of my way each year to try one of the crazy food entrants. This year I am very intrigued by the Nutellaphant Ear and the Sweet Corn Pizza.
Hands down, though, the best stop is at the famed Dairy Barn. You won’t find a better shake.
I could go on: there are cheer and band competitions, tractor pulling and an extreme pogo stunt team.
I am sure I have left out dozens of other fun things to do at the fair but hope this will entice some Hoosiers who have never been to check it out. Maybe I’ll see you there.
Niki Kelly is editor-in-chief of indianacapitalchronicle.com, where this commentary first appeared. She has covered Indiana politics and the Indiana Statehouse since 1999 for publications including the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Send comments to [email protected].
