A Review of the Indiana State Fair

The 2006 summer season marks the 150th anniversary of the Indiana State Fair, an event that is tradition among many families throughout Indiana.

In 1852 Indiana became the sixth state to hold an agricultural fair. In it's inaugural year, the fair was held in downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of what is now Military Park. Other cities had the opportunity to host the fair during the mid-1800's, until the current fairgrounds opened in September 1892. The fair has been held in it's current location since that time.

While the Indiana State Fair is primarily an agricultural fair, such a wide range of events take place each year that almost anyone can find something to enjoy. Popular concerts by chart topping artists, music contests, wine tasting, tractor pulls, animals, rides, and a seemingly endless array of fair food are just some of the things that bring visitors back year after year.

Gate admission is just $6 per person. Kids under 5 are free, and $1 off discount tickests can be purchased at area Marsh and CVS stores.

The Indiana State fair is typical in that it has a large midway area with games and rides and funnel cakes and cotton candy. And there are animal exhibitions, where visitors can see llamas and horses and baby pigs up close. Visitors can buy beeswax candles and handmade brooms at the Pioneer Village or specialty wool products in the sheep barn.

Those with an appreciation for music can be entertained throughout opening day by high school marching bands from around the state as they compete against each other. There is also a fiddle contest, and the Young Hoosier Pianist Competition. There will be a Hispanic music celebration this year, as well as a Gospel Music Day and a Contemporary Christian Music Day.

Those looking to sample the latest in deep fried foods will delight in all the fair has to offer. Past years have seen fried Oreos, Twinkies, and Snickers bars. And there are plenty of other can't miss edibles at the fair. Saltwater taffy and homegrown Indiana corn-on-the-cob can be found in mulitple locations around the fairgrounds. Chocolate eclairs and cream puffs can be found across the street from the Home and Family Arts building. And the Dairy Barn, located next to the Grandstand is a popular stop for grilled cheese sandwiches, cold milk, cheese sticks, and milkshakes.

A new and must see event this year is the Preview Night Celebration Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indiana native Sandi Patty will be performing a free concert on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 6:30pm, followed by the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow. The Hot Air Balloon race that take place as part of the Opening Day festivities is always a spectacular sight, but this year we also have the opportunity to see them glowing like beautiful paper lanterns as they float in the evening sky.

While parking for the fair is free in the adjacent lots, many families choose the experience of hopping aboard the Fair Train, which departs from Fishers Station on 116th Street and drops passengers off by Gate #6 of the fairgrounds. The Fair Train is provided by the Indiana Transportation Museum and costs $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 12.

Soy much to do! Weary visitors to the fair can rest their feet by riding tractor shuttles that roam the fairgrounds and are powered by a biodiesel fuel blend made from soybean oil. More info about biodiesel and other soy products and recipes can be found at the Indiana Soybean Board booth in the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion.

The Indiana State Fair typical draws a diverse crowd. Families from small country towns spend the week at the fair caring for their animals, while families from the inner city get a chance to see - and smell - the animals up close. The fair truly offers something for everyone.