This past weekend, I had the pleasure of being able to experience Indiana’s State Fair for the first time ever.
Being from Memphis, Tenn., I am no stranger to a good time outside eating cotton candy, winning prizes and riding the most infamous rides at the local fair.
My first stop had me go to various food vendors to get a look at the festive foods provided in the Hoosier state. There was no shortage of classics such as giant corndogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes along the fairgrounds.
Some of the standout food selections were the Soul Train Egg Rolls from Its Those Egg Rolls and the General Tso Fries from Red Frazier Bison. As an avid Chinese food lover, I really appreciated these renditions of classic Asian dishes.
The Soul Train Egg Rolls featured a nicely fried exterior with jerk chicken, rice, cabbage, carrots & assorted cheeses. Its Those Egg Rolls is a Black-owned, Indianapolis-based family-run business that offers a selection of egg roll flavors.
I also appreciated was the construction and layout of the fair. Being able to sample Hoosier hospitality by traveling in a way very similar to Indy’s acclaimed Speedway, allows visitors to travel in a wide circle, allowing fairgoers plenty of space to explore.
The paved walkways were a nice addition to the event space because, as we know with many Midwest outings, it inevitably rained. When the rainstorm hit, there was a brief pause on the festivities seeing attendees take shelter in nearby buildings and under the stadium seating.
While the storm carried on, there were plenty of overhead tents and shelter to be shared. So, once the threat of thunder and lightning passed, everyone went promptly back to enjoying the splendor of the fair.
As the afternoon went by, I had a chance to get a look at the rides. The many lights shone in the evening sky with the familiar fairgoers’ “ooohs” and “ahhs” echoed into the city. Rides like the Speed and the Pegasus were among fan favorites as the rides streaked across sky, filled with jubilant riders.
One critique I do have about my time at the fair was the process of entry and lack of visible signage upon arrival. If you are not native or familiar with the area, you may experience some difficulty getting to parking, but once you arrive the “hard” part is over.
All in all, I believe my visit was one that was refreshing for the adult-me, and kid-me had a blast in experiencing the wonders and attractions of the Indiana State Fair. The vibe of the event gave attendees plenty of activities and food to try alongside familiar staples for a day of fun, intrigue and community.
If I could change one thing, it would be to sample more food.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
