INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair will celebrate the “Wonderful World of Food” throughout the course of the fair. There will be a featured food each day of the Fair from Aug. 4 to Aug. 20. All the featured foods will include a spotlight on Indiana farmers who produce the various items. Fairgoers will be able to enjoy samples, cooking demonstrations, food eating contests, fun recipes to share and so much more. The dates and featured foods include: Aug. 4 – Deep Fried Food (Soybean Farmer), Aug. 5 – Melon (Melon Farmer), Aug. 6 – Popcorn (Popcorn Farmer), Aug. 10 – Funnel Cake (Wheat Farmer), Aug. 11 – Cheese (Dairy Farmer), Aug. 13 – Ice Cream (Dairy Farmer) and many more.
The Giant Hot-Air Balloon Race kicks off the fun Aug. 4 at 6 a.m. (weather permitting), and the opening ceremonies start at 9 a.m.
Fair organizers also hope attendees will help in sharing the story of how Indiana is feeding the world. Additionally, Fairgoers will get to enjoy many of the featured foods, along with their traditional Fair food favorites, at more than 90 food stands throughout the Fairgrounds.
Staying with the theme, new this year is the Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture exhibit, located in the Harvest Pavilion. Patrons will go on a journey around the world and through time to explore the complext system that brings what we eat from the farm to the table. Through digital interactives, rich dioramas, cultural artifacts, and striking models, visitors will experience stories of how humans have shaped the foods we know, and how food has shaped us.
There is a huge line-up of entertainment and talent coming to the Indiana State Fair this year, including George Thorogood and the Destroyers Aug. 4, Bret Michaels on Aug. 7, the Contemporary Christian Music Festival headlined by Danny Gokey with Echoboy, Building Nations and Jester on Aug. 13; the Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, The Association, the Box Tops, and more on Aug. 14; Patti LaBelle on Aug. 17, Keifer Sutherland on Aug. 18, and many more. The shows are free with admission.
While you’re at the fair, check out the wonderful animal exhibits from 4-H throughout the state. You can also visit the Pioneer Village and see how farm chores got done in the “good old days.” The many pavilions and barns are full of interesting exhibits that celebrate the wide range of the Hoosier — everything from “best vegetables” and beautiful quilts, to the beer and wine pavilion featuring the best in Indiana adult beverages (must be 21). Also check out the Glass Barn on the fairgrounds, which showcases today’s Indiana farming environment. The DNR building is always great for an informative visit to find out about Indiana’s natural resources.
The Midway is a great place for adults and kids alike, with special ticket discounts almost every evening. Wristband tickets are $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends, and if you buy online through Aug. 6, there are discounts.
Online Fair ticket sales are available now at a discounted rate of $8 plus transaction fees on the Indiana State Fair website, IndianaStateFair.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum Box Office during regular business hours at the discounted rate. Tickets purchased at the gate are $12. Parking is $5 per car. The fairgrounds are located at 1202 E. 38th St.
