Indiana State Fair Celebrates Heroes in the Heartland August 2-18

INDIANAPOLIS — To pay tribute to the heroism of everyday Hoosiers, the Indiana State Fair announces that its 2019 theme is Heroes in the Heartland, presented by Indiana Donor Network. Throughout the 17-day event, running from August 2 -18, the Indiana State Fair will salute Hoosier farmers, first responders, educators, members of the Armed Forces, and many others who keep us safe and make us proud. Additionally, each day during the fair, Super Heroes featured in box office movies will be highlighted.
As part of the fair’s theme activation, Hoosiers are encouraged to visit www.indianastatefair.com to honor their personal heroes. The State Fair will include these stories in their 2019 Fair campaign, “Who’s Your Hero?” For more information, view the fair’s theme announcement video here: https://youtu.be/8cx_rBK-t8A
This year’s Indiana State Fair boasts a big line-up of free concerts that include former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley (Aug. 2), Melissa Etheride (Aug. 15), a Gospel Music Festival (Aug. 18), Air Supply (Aug. 5), and Boyz II Men (Aug. 14). Don’t miss the Music for All Band Day on Aug. 2, or the Illuminated Tractor Parade and Balloon Night Glow at the Grandstand.
In addition to the many food stands featuring fair food favorites, check out the Indiana State Fair Wine Garden outside of the Purdue Extension Ag/Hort Building. There will be a celebrity grape stomping competition  on Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Wine Garden. In addition, other adult beverages (including winners of the Brewer’s Cup and Toast of the Fair), will be available in the Wine Garden.
Visitors to this year’s fair will notice that the track inside the fairgrounds has been converted from a dirt surface to an all-weather track of crushed limestone, and that the half-mile track has been eliminated. The loss of the track means more efficient parking for fair-goers this year ($8 at the gate).
The Midway — the largest in the Midwest — will sport family favorite rides, and a new roller coaster, the Sky Hawk. There will be specials on Midway rides throughout the course of the fair.
Advance discount tickets (a savings of 38 percent off gate prices) are $8, plus a $1 convenience fee. Children 5 and under are free. To purchase tickets, visit IndianaStateFair.com. Tickets can be purchased at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum Box Office during business hours at the discounted rate. Tickets purchased at the gate are $13. Check IndianaStateFair.com for additional promotions available throughout the summer. Purchase of an Indiana State Fair tickets allows for general admission to the Free Stage concert seating area. No seats can be reserved unless otherwise specified.