By Andi Anderson
The 168th Indiana State Fair opened on August 1 at the fairgrounds in Indianapolis, inviting visitors to explore a lively mix of art, music, food, and agricultural heritage. This year’s theme, “The Soundtrack of Summer,” inspires a vibrant celebration that fills the air with music, laughter, and delicious aromas.
One of the main attractions is The Art of Music Experience, a national touring exhibit that displays album cover art and the stories behind them. This exhibit is free to all attendees and fits perfectly with the fair's musical theme.
Daily free concerts feature a variety of performers, including Melissa Etheridge, Three Dog Night, a Beatles tribute band, and Indianapolis native Babyface. The fair also brings back its big top circus, offering three free performances each day with acts like a human cannonball and a crossbow artist.
Agriculture takes center stage as livestock shows run daily, including cattle, sheep, rabbits, horses, and more. These shows highlight Indiana’s deep-rooted farming traditions and give visitors a chance to see animals up close.
Food remains a major draw, with a wide range of offerings. Unique dishes include pickle fried Oreos, cotton candy lemon shakeups, and the much-talked-about Honey Bun burger. Fair spokesperson LeRoy Lewis says, “My wife’s going to kill me because I’m going to gain at least three pounds from just that.”
Local vendors bring special items like Butterscotch Apple Crunch from Jessop Candy Products and a chicken Philly egg roll from Taste of Home Catering. The American Dairy Association Indiana serves up a key lime pie milkshake, while Black Leaf Vegan Food Truck offers a plant-based Philly sandwich.
The Indiana State Fair runs from August 1 to 17 and is closed on Mondays. More information is available at IndianaStateFair.com.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle