A large roster of brand new entertainment events, a long list of familiar favorites, and a venue that continues to undergo significant enhancements are setting the stage for a big 10-day party on Indianapolis’ southeast side: the 85th annual Marion County Fair presented by Ray Skillman Chevrolet.
The fair runs June 19 through June 28 at the Marion County Fairgrounds, 7300 E. Troy Ave. in Indianapolis (just off the I-465 & Southeastern Avenue interchange). Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
General admission is just $5 per person. Children ages 5 and under are free, members of the military with valid ID are free, and parking is free in convenient fairgrounds lots. In celebration of the fair’s 85th anniversary, on June 24, free general admission will be offered to fairgoers who are 85 years old, were born in 1985, or were born on August 5 (8/5).
“Our board of directors has worked diligently since last year’s fair, overseeing additional upgrades to the fairgrounds, exploring new and exciting entertainment options and scheduling all of the events fairgoers will enjoy at the 85th annual Marion County Fair,” said Ron Phillips, president of the board. “We’re also pleased to welcome several new sponsors to our fair family, including our new presenting sponsor, Ray Skillman Chevrolet.”
Phillips noted that a newly designed web site, marioncountyfair.org, will help fairgoers keep up-to-date on all the action during the 10-day run, and he encouraged fans to “like” the fair’s Facebook page for even more event information.
Activity kicks off on Opening Night, June 19 – Radio NOW Night – with a wide range of events including the Fred Astaire Dance Party with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, Queen & Princess Pageants, 4-H horse events, fireworks provided by Circle City Pyrotechnics, and Elite Performance K9 demos sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals and the Central Indiana Kennel Club. The fair’s midway, operated by Indiana-based North American Midway Entertainment, will feature unlimited rides for $25.
Additional events include:
- June 20 – 93.9 The Beat Night. Chainsaw carving demos, 4-H shows (horse, goat, sheep and small animals), BMX riding & racing, cheer contest, motorcycle racing, Fred Astaire Dance Party featuring the Tommy Moriarty Band, Elite Performance K9 demos sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals and the Central Indiana Kennel Club, the Phillip Fox Band in concert on the Park Stage; unlimited midway rides for $25.
- June 21 – Father’s Day Celebration presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Men receive $2 off admission. Open class car show, Youth Talent Shows (Junior & Senior Divisions) presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 4-H Horse Show, Swine Show, Circle City Steel Drums, Indiana Wind Symphony, chainsaw carving demos, Mike Beach in concert on the Park Stage, Elite Performance K9 demos sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals and the Central Indiana Kennel Club.
- June 22 – Senior Night. Seniors ages 55+ receive $1 off admission; all midway rides are only $1. Adult Talent Show presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio, garden tractor pull, Island Breeze Trio in concert on the Park Stage, 4-H horse show.
- June 23 – Gospel Night & 85-cent BOGO Food Night. Many food vendors will feature buy-one get-one 85-cent menu items in celebration of the fair’s 85th anniversary. Cook & Belle and the Cornerstone Family Worship Center Praise Team in concert on the Park Stage, 4-H horse show, IMPD K9 Unit demos sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals, Central Indiana Kennel Club & the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, swine show; unlimited midway rides for $25.
- June 24 – Nerium Ladies Night. Ladies receive $2 off admission; all midway rides are only $1. Nerium Real Results Market Party, Elephant Encounter, BMX riding & racing, Calling Contests, Greg Rhodes in concert on the Park Stage, 4-H horse show, Elk Ridge Band in concert at Peaceful Grounds, Art Carroll Ladies Night Prize Drawings.
- June 25 – 85th Anniversary Night. Free admission for fairgoers 85 years old, born in 1985, or born on August 5 (8/5) (must show valid ID); unlimited midway rides for $25. Elephant Encounter, Rural Route 3 and Nicole Bridgens in concert on the Park Stage.
- June 26 – Blues Night. RC Blues Band and Wayne Watson & Bluescake in concert on the Park Stage, O’Reilly Auto Parts Demolition Derby, Elephant Encounter, Indiana Dock Dogs sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals and the Central Indiana Kennel Club.
- June 27 – Kids’ Day presented by PNC Bank. A packed line-up of kid-specific events fill Saturday daytime hours – games, mascot appearances, face painters, Silly Safari performance, Kasey the Fire Dog, the annual Baby Contest, and more. Other day events include Elephant Encounter, Indiana Dock Dogs and 4-H Dog Show sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals, Central Indiana Kennel Club and the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association. Come evening, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Demolition Derby returns to the grandstand while the Chris Canas Band entertains from the Park Stage. The midway features unlimited rides for $25 throughout the day.
- June 28 – Big Brothers/Big Sisters Day. The “bigs” and “littles” will enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair on its final day. Among activities scheduled are the Robotics Competition, Elephant Encounter, Indiana Dock Dogs and 4-H Dog Show sponsored by Elanco and presented by Noah’s Animal Hospitals, Central Indiana Kennel Club and Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, the annual Wood Carving Auction, and musical performances on the Park Stage featuring Nicole Bridgens, The Norwegian Elks and the Jason Wells Band.
Daily features include the gigantic Ray Skillman Chevrolet Tent Sale, the midway, Starfish Academy Petting Zoo, Peaceful Grounds displays and entertainment, Family Arts displays and competitions, pony rides, exhibits from Purdue University, 4-H displays and competitions, fantastic fair foods, the all-new Marketplace, and $3500 in “Fair Bucks” randomly distributed to guests on the grounds throughout the 10 days.
“It will be a fabulous fair,” Phillips promised, “and we are looking forward to welcoming long-time fairgoers as well as first-time guests to our 85th anniversary party!”
For additional information about the 85th annual Marion County Fair presented by Ray Skillman Chevrolet, visit MarionCountyFair.org.
