By EMMA HOPKINS-O’BRIEN Indiana Correspondent INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Fair, opening this Friday morning, promises a host of unique experiences for fairgoers, and this year the state’s agriculture industry will participate in diverse and surprising ways. The first of these will be the fair’s first-ever “grape stomp” competition, bringing light to Indiana’s fruit farmers by pitting local celebrities against one other when diving into a barrel of grapes. The event will take place in the new Wine Garden exhibit presented by Indiana Grown, where fairgoers will be able to enjoy wines from the winners of the 2019 Indiana State Fair Wine and Spirits competition. “Heroes in the Heartland” is the fair’s theme this year, casting light on everyday heroes such as farmers, first responders, educators, and others. “We’re proud to honor individuals whose exceptional commitment and caring enrich our lives,” said Sharon Smith, director of communications, Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “The Indiana State Fair is uniquely positioned to offer connections and experiences that help us lift up and celebrate our state’s ‘Heroes in the Heartland.’” Playing off that theme, each day of the fair will honor a different kind of hero and feature them in a daily parade. In addition to these, print and cinematic heroes from D.C. and Marvel comics will be highlighted in meet-and-greets each day at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. at the fair’s “Super City,” located in the Corteva Agriscience Harvest Pavilion. Also at Super City will be a virtual reality and interactive experience where fairgoers can feel like a superhero by being immersed in the world of everyday heroes. In addition to the animals featured in the 4-H and open livestock competitions this year, an exhibit at the fair’s “Animal Town” will shine a light on some of Indiana’s smallest heroes: Bees. As pollinators, they are essential to all crops. In celebration of National Bee Day on August 17, there will be a public demonstration on how to properly inspect a beehive. On the weirder side of animal attractions, “goat yoga” sessions will take place August 4 for those looking for a fun and interesting experience involving roaming goats in a closed-room yoga class. Those interested can get tickets on the Indiana State Fair’s website. As always, the fair will host a number of concerts featuring 17 different artists – and this year, they’re all free. “This year’s Free Stage concert lineup truly has something for everyone,” Smith said. “From ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s pop to R&B and country to classic rock or gospel, there’s a show to match anyone’s musical tastes. And best of all, all shows are free with paid admission.” Back by popular demand at the fair this year will be the Big Top Circus featuring Bello Nock along with several new acts. There will also be a new Master of the Ring – Dinny McQuire. This year is Indiana Farm Bureau’s (INFB) 100th anniversary, and in celebration, there are many new exhibits planned, all focused on state agriculture. “The Indiana State Fair is a great opportunity for us to advocate for the agricultural industry,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “It’s important for us to share our story, so that visitors walk away with a better understanding of the work that we do every day.” One highly anticipated experience presented by INFB is a beer made with ingredients from Indiana farms. The beer is called 100th Harvest and was brewed in partnership with West Lafayette brewer People’s Brewing. It is produced as a honey wheat ale and can be found at the beer garden. “Taste from Indiana’s Farms,” an event hosted by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, will again take place August 13-15 in the Farm Bureau Building. Volunteers will pass out food samples that contain ingredients grown on Indiana farms. New this year, attendees can participate in live food demonstrations and an experimentation station. Returning this year is also “The Taste of the Fair.” “We can’t forget the 22 new food items that we are introducing this year as part of our ‘Taste of the Fair’ People’s Choice award,” Smith said. “Food is the No. 1 reason people come to the fair.” Everything from shepherd’s pie to cocktails to deep-fried ice cream, poutine, and pancakes will be included in this year’s “Taste of the Fair,” and attendees are invited to vote for their favorite dish during the 17-day run of the fair. Those wishing to learn more about the Indiana State Fair – taking place at the state fairgrounds at the corner of 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway in Indianapolis – prices, and this year’s detailed schedule may visit www.indianastatefair.com |
