Double-dips can be fun when you’re talking about ice cream cones or roller coasters, but not when referring to a recession. Indiana’s economy is still trying to rebound, and the Indiana State Fair knows Hoosiers need all the help they can get when trying to stretch their family entertainment dollar.
As a result, the fair has brought back a number of popular deals and discounts from last year’s fair, and even added a couple new ones. Here are the highlights of the special values at this year’s fair:
· Admission-Midway Combo Pass – This new deal offers a combination State Fair admission and Midway wristband for a total of $25 – a savings of $8! (good on select dates) The combo pass is only available through Indiana Walmart stores and must be purchased by Aug. 8.
· $1 Midway rides – On Aug. 7, and Aug. 8, the midway will open up every ride for just $1 each from 11 a.m. to noon.
· Free admission tickets in The Indianapolis Star – On Aug. 9, The Indianapolis Star will print tickets good for free admission to the fair on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12. Watch The Star during the second full week of the fair for more deals.
· $2 Taste of the State Fair Tuesdays – On both Aug. 10 and 17, many State Fair food concessionaires will have $2 samples and the midway will have designated $2 rides available all day long!
· Turkey Hill Dairy $2 Tuesdays – Also on both Aug. 10 and 17, admission to the State Fair is just $2 with a voucher printed at www.turkeyhill.com/indianastatefair.
· Free admission for state employees, Aug. 12 – All state employees are admitted for free on Aug. 12 with presentation of an employee ID card.
· IndyGo Downtown Lunch Bunch, Aug. 12 – On Aug. 12 downtown workers who take the IndyGo Route 39 bus for $1.75 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will receive free admission to the fair through Gate 1A on 38th Street. For trip planning assistance, visit www.indygo.net or call (317) 635-3344.
· BMV Carload Day, Aug. 16 – Large families and groups of friends traveling to the fair together will want to take advantage of this great offer on Monday, Aug. 16. Admission is only $15 per vehicle for up to 10 people with a voucher printed from www.mybmv.com.
· Free admission for Military personnel and their families, Aug. 19 – The Indiana State Fair is honoring our current and former members of the Armed Forces by offering free admission for them and their families on Aug. 19 with the presentation of a Military ID or membership card from a recognized veteran’s organization.
· $2 Discount with Pepsi product can, Aug. 22 – All visitors who bring any Pepsi brand can will receive $2 off the gate admission on the fair’s final day, Aug. 22.
· Indiana State Fair Value Coupon Book – Fairgoers can save money on everything from corn dogs to hot tubs by purchasing this book of coupons for just $5. More than $100 in deals and discounts are being offered by dozens of fair vendors. The books can be purchased in the Gazebo Gift Shop presented by Indiana Pork Farmers.
In addition to those great deals, here are several more tips when trying to save on a trip to the State Fair:
· Buy fair admission tickets in advance and save $1. Advance tickets are $7 when purchased from Indiana Walmart stores, CVS/pharmacy stores, Indiana Farm Bureau Offices, the Marten House Hotel or the Indiana State Fairgrounds box office (kids 5 and younger are free every day).
· Arrive early and take advantage of free parking in the fairgrounds’ Best Way Disposal Infield.
· Save gas and time, and get free parking and a free shuttle ride with the State Fair Park & Ride shuttle from Glendale Mall (Rural Street Lot). It departs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
· Planning to take the WFMS FairTrain to the fair with the whole family? Buy the special Pre-Fair package that allows two adults and three children to ride for just $25 – a $10 savings! Tickets are available at all Hamilton County KeyBanks and the Fishers Train Depot.
· Unlimited midway ride wristbands are available for just $25 on 11 of the fair’s 17 days. A $15 wristband is also available for kiddie rides on Aug. 16.
· Ride your bike to the fair and use one of the secured bike racks available on the Monon Trail at 38th Street from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and save $1 (must enter the fair through Gate 18 off the Monon Trail).
· Seniors (age 55 and older) can ride the tractor shuttles around the fairgrounds for just $3 a day with a wristband purchased from State Fair Information Booths located in Pioneer Village and State Fair Blvd. Seniors ride free on Golden Hoosiers’ Day, Aug. 17.
· On Aug. 14, anyone 18 or older gets a free lottery scratch-off ticket when they redeem their fair admission ticket stub at any Hoosier Lottery Booth from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saving money is hard to do, especially when you’re trying to have fun in the process. Still, the State Fair is a great low-cost way for families to make memories that last a lifetime.
For more information, call the Indiana State Fair at (317) 927-7500 or visit www.in.gov/statefair.
