I get so antsy once it gets close to the debut of the Indiana State Fair. It is certainly one of the highlights of my summer.
The food, visiting the horses and checking out the exhibits are my main attractions. I can’t wait to indulge in their famous corn dogs or munch on the delectable funnel cakes. Yum! I can already taste them.
Once again, you can expect the Indiana State Fair to go over and beyond to meet the needs of Hoosiers and visitors around the globe. This year new foods such as fried bubblegum and M&Ms will rattle your tummy along with the tasty peanut butter, banana and bacon burger. Plus there are 15 new attractions for you to explore.
“We look for things that will appeal to families. We find ways to keep the fair fresh and new every year,” said Andy Klotz, public relations director of the Indiana State Fair. “Our research proves people return to the fair for the food, animals and exhibits. The high quality events, programming and partnerships all go hand in hand to create this first class event.”
The 2012 Indiana State Fair will be “Celebrating the Hoosier Spirit” throughout its 17-day run, highlighting our state’s fortitude and perseverance.
Here is the list of new events that will be taking place at the Indiana State Fair this year.
• “Year of Dairy Cows!” presented by American Dairy Association of Indiana – Indiana’s dairy farmers are always well-represented at the fair, particularly at the popular Dairy Bar located on Main Street.
• The DuPont Food Pavilion – Formerly known as the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion, this large exhibit building at the end of Main Street is packed with native Indiana foods, cooking demonstrations and a marketplace for folks who want to take their favorite Indiana foods home.
• Ciao Italia – This 17-day exhibit features food, facts and fun aspects of Italy and its longstanding connections with Indiana.
• Free Stage – The good times and festive atmosphere will be non-stop at the Free Stage this year as programming extends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
• Bankers Life Fieldhouse Free Shuttle – Concert ticket holders can attend the fair on any of its 17 days, not just the day of the concert.
• The Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Motorcycle Race – Motorcycle racing returns to the Indiana State Fair for the first time since 1998 when the Indy Mile hits the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand Aug. 18.
• SuperDogs – Unbelievable tricks, uncontrollable energy, aerial stunts and infectious laughter are all part of this fabulous family show in the Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park.
• MHS presents Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Show – The athletes in this show reach heights as high as 25 feet as they flip and twist and even jump with snowboards strapped to their feet!
• Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue – starring Iago presented by WIC and the Indiana State Breastfeeding Coalition –The show educates families on the value of conservation while entertaining them with magic, comedy, animal antics and audience participation.
• Cowtown USA – This exhibit gives visitors to the Family Fun Park the chance to hand-milk a real cow and participate in the pasteurization process.
• Xtreme Action Sports Show presented by VOICE – The thrill-packed world of BMX, Skateboarding and Freestyle Motocross will be in the spotlight when stars of all these sports perform in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand Aug. 10.
• Multi-Day Admission Ticket – The ticket costs $18 and is good one admission on three different days – that’s a $12 savings on the gate admission price.
• Vertigo Midway Ride – This 24-passenger thrill ride rises nearly 100 feet above the ground before swinging riders out over the rest of the Midway below.
• “Celebrating the Hoosier Spirit” Sculpture – Herron School of Art and Design artist Jamie Dickerson has created a sculpture consisting of three wooden pieces that are each 5 feet wide at the base and reach as high as 12 feet in the air.
• Harold Lee Miller Photography exhibit – Dozens of Harold Lee Miller photographs focusing on “life at the fair” will be on display in the Normandy Barn from 1 to 9 p.m. daily throughout the fair’s 17-day run.
For more information visit in.gov/statefair.
