Indiana State Fair Preview

It’s almost May and everyone in my house is looking forward to summer — lazy days by the pool, cookouts with the neighbors, and, of course, our annual trip to the Indiana State Fair.

This year’s Indiana State Fair will take place from August 6-22. It will be the Year of Pigs, presented by the Indiana Pork Farmers. Expect pig-themed entertainment (such as Hedrick’s Racing Pigs), special pork barbeque contests and other ham-tastic events.

For many Indiana families, going to the State Fair is an end-of-the-summer tradition. Those folks will be happy to know that many of the fair’s old standbys will be waiting to greet them, including the Band Day competition, the hot air balloon race, the Farmer’s Day parade and the drive-thru breakfast.

But the Fair is also bringing some great new offerings this year, including:

• a Habitat for Humanity home build: A 5-bedroom home will be constructed during the first 15 days of the fair, with an open house held on the final weekend. After the fair, the home will be transported to its permanent location where it will house an Indianapolis woman and her five children.
• the State Fair Fresh Market: Presented by Clarian Health, this market will feature fresh salads and sandwiches made with Indiana produce. Having a salad for lunch might make me feel less guilty about hitting the Dairy Bar for a milkshake later in the day!
• $2 Tuesdays Taste of the Fair: On both Tuesdays, admission is only $2 and visitors will enjoy many $2 midway and concession deals.
• Indiana State Fair-Midway Combo Pass: Beginning June 1 through August 5, visit your local Indiana Walmart store to purchase a $25 combination State Fair admission and Midway ride pass. That’s an $8/savings!

As always, there will be great musical entertainment, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Selena Gomez. Check out all the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand entertainment here.

To keep up on all the happenings of the Indiana State Fair, visit the official State Fair website.