View Full Version : It's State Fair time again!!
IndyanaTekkie
08-04-2008, 09:29 AM
Anyone going to the Band Day Competition this Wednesday? I'll be there. :-)
Christy Clinton and I had planned to go to Opening Day but work has reared its ugly head and we can't. Majorly bummed- was really looking forward to the addition of the drum corp!
But I think I'll be down there with the fam on Sunday. And Christy and I will be there on Weds the 13th (Farmers Day)!!
liloldlady
08-04-2008, 10:51 AM
Not sure when. I love Band Day, but I am keeping my granddaughter company (you don't say babysitting). When are you going with Christy? I know her but have to meet you, Liz.:) You'll find the liloldlady with a ribeye sandwich - Gene hits the pork tent - and then see how many antiques match mine, heh, heh. Wanted to check out the horses, but my Alpha Gam buddy doesn't show hers anymore. I watch my friends clog and tap at the Clarian stand, wishing my back would let me do it - gave away my shoes to Jeff Farley - barely used, sob, sob. Then an elephant ear tops off the day. We take the bus from Glendale ands don't worry about parking and traffic. Age has its compensations.
mykidsmom
08-04-2008, 11:22 AM
My son is in his high school's marching band, so I will for sure be there!! :D
When are you going with Christy? I know her but have to meet you, Liz.:)
We will head down early on the morning of the 13th- I love doing the FFA breakfast. Mid-afternoon I may head up to Fishers to get the kids and bring them down for dinner... not sure on that one yet. Jeff will be busy with GenCon all that week so I don't want to push any of us too hard!
kries
08-04-2008, 12:59 PM
We were there last night for the open house for the Home and Family Arts competitions.
Michael and I both did very well with many ribbons between us.
I suspect we'll be there Wednesday evening after work and then I'll be there Thursday for the Spam Competition, Friday for the Hidden Valley Ranch Competition and Saturday for the Artist in Residence Day Competition.
We'll also partake of the the Worlds Largest Drive Thru Breakfast on Friday as it's a tradition.
Then a few more visits next week will round out our State Fair experience.
I do so love the fair!
Free Parking in the Deaf School Lot - and a shuttle from there to the gate if you have to park very far out.
Go to the FAIR!
thewillowtree
08-04-2008, 05:36 PM
Flying in to Indy Wednesday afternoon. Gonna try to make it to the fair, but that depends on how long it takes to get in, get my bags, pick up the rental car, drive to the hotel, & get checked in. And how exhausted I am after all that. If all else fails (and for those who want to see the drun corps but can't make it to the fair), I will be singing the national anthem at world class quaterfinals on Thursday and open class semifinals on Friday (and watching world class semis & finals on Firday & Saturday). Or, if you don't want to drive all the way to Bloomington (gas is expensive, I know), Quarterfinals are broadcast live to select Regal Cinemas. It's gonna be a great competition. Half a point separates first and fourth place (and my brother's corp is currently in 2nd).
Debby
08-04-2008, 11:43 PM
I love the fair. The kidster and I go every year and have since she was in a stroller and got lost running around in the little patch of corn they grown near the pioneer village! A friend plays there with his band so we'll definitely be there that day, but I'll have to keep an eye on the weather and maybe plan a second day. We haven't gotten to see everything the past couple years because there's too much good stuff!!
Adrienne Reiswerg
08-05-2008, 04:17 AM
I'm jealous of all of you. This year will be too busy for a "real" visit, but we're going as a school. That leaves me and 27 very young children running amok.
We do have extra hands and volunteers for the field trip, but three of last year's moms
wouldn't enter the livestock buildings because they "smelled like poop."
Thanks a whole damn lot, ladies !
Congratulations to the Reises. This is the first I've heard of a Spam competition.
Please tell me it's not COOKING with Spam...that the competition is for Spam sculpture or some handy household chore like Spackling. Spam has a dynamite
website, if anyone is similarly entranced with the product.
kries
08-05-2008, 07:00 AM
Yes indeed - it is cooking with Spam! I've been doing the competition for about 5 years now. Don't know why I chose this as one of my Fair experiences/traditions - but I do so enjoy it every year.
I see a lot of the same competitors year to year and that's a lot of fun. There's an adult and a kids competition.
You have to make something with Spam with less than 10 ingredients (or is it 5?) eek - gotta count my ingredients! :eek:
This year's competition centers around appetizers.
I actually took 3rd place one year - that was thrilling!
First place goes on to compete in the national competition - and this year it's in Hawaii - so not too shabby.
Another fun side note - if any of you know Stephanie and Tom Robertson they always choose Spam Day as their day to come to the fair. So we get to catch up on all that has been happening in the past year together. A little birdie tells me that they might be competing this year. That will be fun!
:D
liloldlady
08-05-2008, 07:49 AM
Forgot. Several friends compete in the art and photography competitions. I need plenty of time to stop and stare at the quilts and the sewing competitions. Good Grief! Of course the animal barns smell like they have animals including their poop. Where do your Moms come from Adrienne?:eek:
RobsGirl
08-05-2008, 10:10 AM
Anyone going to the Band Day Competition this Wednesday? I'll be there. :-)
Yes, Jeremy's going to the fair and leaving the cast of Pippin in my hands! ha ha ha!!!!!
Adrienne Reiswerg
08-05-2008, 10:47 PM
My darling Tom,
Now, I'm living proof that all food is good food, but do you mean to tell me
that you applied for and received a Creative Renewal Grant from the Arts
Council of Indiana, to go to Bologna, Italy, and take classes in classic cookery
from a Continental chef, and less than a year later, create a Spam masterpiece
for the State Fair? I think that's ironic and hilarious. Sounds like a wonderful
article to freelance to Indianapolis Monthly.
Break a ....spatula?, Tom and Karla.
AR
kries
08-06-2008, 07:09 AM
My darling Tom,
Now, I'm living proof that all food is good food, but do you mean to tell me
that you applied for and received a Creative Renewal Grant from the Arts
Council of Indiana, to go to Bologna, Italy, and take classes in classic cookery
from a Continental chef, and less than a year later, create a Spam masterpiece
for the State Fair? I think that's ironic and hilarious. Sounds like a wonderful
article to freelance to Indianapolis Monthly.
Break a ....spatula?, Tom and Karla.
AR
Aint life grand?
Tom was all a twitter about his upcoming trip last year when we chatted - I can't wait to get the download of all the details tomorrow!
snookybaby40
08-09-2008, 11:04 PM
We went to the fair this evening, and it was overly packed with people!!! It must be because the weather was superb. Still had a great time though!! The pigs were cute as ever, and I wanted to take one home for a pet.
I also saw all of the art work that Michael and Karla Ries entered this year. Boy you guys had quite a bit!
agingdiva
08-10-2008, 07:02 PM
The State-wide Purdue Home Extension Chorus is singing at 1:00 and 4:00 Friday, Aug. 15. I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know exactly where--I'm riding with someone and will just go where I'm pointed. But in between the two large-group performances, smaller county groups will entertain. Marion Co. chorus has been chosen to present our version of "Anything Goes", complete with sequins & top hats. I'll learn the exact location and add it tomorrow.
We spent the day at the Fair yesterday and had a fantastic time!! My camera crapped out (took the old point and click and am regretting not hauling around the really good Nikon D40) but I got some images of the day to remember it by... Teagan rode the ferris wheel for the first time, she won her first midway game, Zach had his first taste of cow's milk, got our annual copper cookie cutters of the kids' hands (Zach's first this year). Surprisingly, we didn't eat much... breakfast at the Dairy bar, lunch at the Pork Tent (Jeff had a burger, I had a bbq that I shared with Zach and T ate an entire bbq on her own), and a ribeye sandwich before leaving for the day.
Spent a little time in the Family Arts building and got to see the Ries collection in the basement. Teagan really loved the one that looked kind of pixie or fairy like. Lots of dark blue and purple colors in it...
And Christy and I are planning out our day for Weds...
kries
08-11-2008, 03:54 PM
We spent the day at the Fair yesterday and had a fantastic time!! My camera crapped out (took the old point and click and am regretting not hauling around the really good Nikon D40) but I got some images of the day to remember it by... Teagan rode the ferris wheel for the first time, she won her first midway game, Zach had his first taste of cow's milk, got our annual copper cookie cutters of the kids' hands (Zach's first this year). Surprisingly, we didn't eat much... breakfast at the Dairy bar, lunch at the Pork Tent (Jeff had a burger, I had a bbq that I shared with Zach and T ate an entire bbq on her own), and a ribeye sandwich before leaving for the day.
Spent a little time in the Family Arts building and got to see the Ries collection in the basement. Teagan really loved the one that looked kind of pixie or fairy like. Lots of dark blue and purple colors in it...
And Christy and I are planning out our day for Weds...
I'll pass along Teagan's enjoyment to hubby! If you only saw art in the basement area - you missed the other half of our entries - which were on main floor, and 2nd floor as well as in the photography area. We're all over that building. :D
Saturday Michael and I painted and drew out on the grounds all day for artist in residence day. Very fun!
Yesterday before eating breakfast on the main strip, we were interviewed by WIBC.
The weather has been perfect!
And get this, as of yesterday I have visited the fair 8 times so far this year - and I have a date for dinner there Wednesday night with Michael for us to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. He say's he's lucky cause most guys have to get jewelry and fancy dinners for their wives but all I want is a grilled cheese sandwich in the Dairy Barn and a chance to try and shoot out the red star on the midway. :D
Ahh - State Fair time is my favorite time of year!
liloldlady
08-11-2008, 05:15 PM
Hubby and I will probably go Wed., so I will look for you Liz - This weather has been unbelieveable! :D
I'll have the chance to look for more of your and Michael's work on Weds, Karla!
Jackie- look for me and Christy. If I get a chance, I will try to post some of the demonstrations we plan to attend (we love the cooking things at the Our Land Pavilion, for example).
agingdiva
08-12-2008, 09:08 PM
The Purdue Home Extension chorus will sing Friday, August 15 at the Farm Bureau Building at 1:00 and at 4:00. The Marion County Chorus will perform at 2:30 at the same venue. I had to learn where to go because I decided to drive and there was no one to point me in the right direction. I hate to drive places myself. When I become incapacitated to the extent that my kids take away my car keys and get me a chauffeur, I'll be the most willing Miss Daisy ever!
Adrienne Reiswerg
08-12-2008, 09:28 PM
Susan, when you get to the Piggly Wiggly, will you pick me up a quart of skim milk
and some Cheerios?
agingdiva
08-13-2008, 04:52 AM
Susan, when you get to the Piggly Wiggly, will you pick me up a quart of skim milk
and some Cheerios?
I'll ask Hoke. Actually, I signed on to edit that post, thinking it was just too grumpy even for me. But if I do, others will wonder what in the world you were talking about, so there it is. :)
If anyone will be at the Fair during the day today... look for me and Christy! Our "schedule" is definitely subject to change...
8:00 FFA Pancake Breakfeast
11:00 Chef's Academy (Family Arts Culinary Stage in the basement)
Noon Red Gold Party Recipes (Our Land Pavilion)
4:00 Crockpot 101 (Family Arts Culinary Stage in the basement)
agingdiva
08-13-2008, 08:07 AM
Smells and sights and sounds from State Fairs past. Sweet, fresh horse poop from the horse barn, the sight of a brand new calf, the Women's Building which has a new name but the same wonderful sewing and art exhibits, that oil which must be reused every year to cook the same delectable tenderloins, the roar of Joey Chitwood's stunt cars, the barkers on the midway the time some of us sneaked into a burlesque show, the taste of ice cream as we entered the Fairgrounds, as we left, and several times in between. And the scratch of wool --yes, 100% wool--band uniforms against my legs in 90 degree heat on Band Day. It wasn't the highlight of my Fair experience, I promise.
For several years my husband and I haven't attended, and except for the appearance with the chorus, which will leave me with no energy for wandering around, I won't go this year. I'll miss it.
Connie_M-T
08-13-2008, 10:08 AM
Susan we are going Friday. We'll try to make one of your performances. Have a great day.......hope to see you there.
agingdiva
08-13-2008, 11:51 AM
Susan we are going Friday. We'll try to make one of your performances. Have a great day.......hope to see you there.
Connie, that would be great! The Board of the State Chorus would kill me for saying so, but I hope you can see Marion Co. perform by ourselves at 2:30 or thereabouts. Sometimes I think I could give up theatre, but I don't think I could live without music.
Connie_M-T
08-13-2008, 12:20 PM
Hope to see you at the Farm Bureau Bld at 1 or 2:30.
agingdiva
08-13-2008, 01:33 PM
I hope you can make it, Connie, but I'll understand if you can't. So much going on at the Fair.
Eric_Bryant
08-13-2008, 02:00 PM
We're hoping to make it Friday afternoon/evening finally! I'm preparing my taste buds for a wonderful grilled cheese sandwich at the Dairy Barn, then probably a corn-dog. I also want to try a ribeye sandwich this year...I've heard so many good things about them. Can't do the tenderloins, though...the last one I had there was TERRIBLE! Frozen, non-descript patty that barely covered the bun. No, when I want a tenderloin, I'll go to Syd's here in Noblesville where not only do you get wonderful, artery-clogging, hand-pounded, big-as-your-head fried scruptiousness, you also get a free helping of second-hand smoke poisoning!
snookybaby40
08-13-2008, 04:59 PM
Eric,
The cattle place right next to the Pioneer Village had really good ribeye sandwiches this year. Give it a go. :)
Also, they have ginormous strawberry shortcake at the Agriculture building.
It is very sad to me that you can't get a good pork tenderloin at the State Fair since it is basically the state sandwich!
But I've always been pleased with anything I get from any of the state producer facilities- cattlemen, pork, dairy bar, etc.
Had a great day today. Didn't make it to a single thing on that list I shared (aside from starting at the breakfast). But got lots of free swag, ate some good food...
There is a NEW grilled cheese at the Dairy Bar, btw. "Gourmet Gouda" It is FANTASTIC.
Phototiger
08-13-2008, 09:25 PM
I was at the fair today too and it was a perfect day for it. First off, the weather was terrific; secondly, the Indystar's freebie coupon saved a few $$$; and finally, the shuttle from Glendale mall was the best way to get there and avoid the parking hassle.
Best part was the food; corn on the cob, a milkshake at the dairy barn, a porkchop, and various other goodies throughout the day. I never could see the appeal of fried candy bars though. I guess it's an acquired taste.
There are so many memories that come back when I go to the fair. It's one of those hoosier traditions that one never outgrows. :)
agingdiva
08-14-2008, 07:29 AM
PT, please share some thoughts about the shuttle. e.g. Where does it dump you? Does it stay on schedule? Are you close to the Fair Bus (or whatever it's called) so you can catch it easily once inside the grounds? thx.
Phototiger
08-14-2008, 07:48 PM
PT, please share some thoughts about the shuttle. e.g. Where does it dump you? Does it stay on schedule? Are you close to the Fair Bus (or whatever it's called) so you can catch it easily once inside the grounds? thx.
The shuttle is THE way to go, if you're coming from the northside of town. Although I live in Greenwood, I went to the fair with a friend of mine who lives on the northside and she and I decided that the park and ride behind Glendale mall would be easier than driving to the fairgrounds and parking in the infield (if you can find a space). The buses are supplied by Carey (not IndyGo) and are the size of the shuttle buses at the airport. I think they're scheduled every ten minutes or so and one of the things I liked most was seeing an Indy cop there to patrol the parking lot (to prevent auto theft or the criminal element from taking advantage of fairgoers). I'm not a Lexus owner, but I wanted to be reasonably certain that my auto would be there, and mobile, when I returned.
The shuttle bus drops off at gate 11 (northeast corner on 42nd street) at the fairgrounds, which is just a few steps to the tractors that haul you around the grounds for 75 cents. What a bargain, when your feet are aching after traipsing the fairgrounds.
Best part about the shuttle bus option was that it beat sitting in traffic, waiting to get in/get out and having to pay for the honor of parking in the infield. Oh, and it's FREE. The state fair folk should've thought of this years ago!
Debby
08-14-2008, 10:44 PM
The shuttle runs every 20 minutes according to the website. It's nice to know the lot is patrolled.
We're going tomorrow, finally! I can't wait! Cream puffs for breakfast! I'll let the kidster lead the way. She's getting a little old for it, but she's always loved Little Hands on the Farm and there's fishing at the DNR building, Goat Mountain, the 4-H exhibits, the animal barns, and all sorts of surprises! A friend of ours is playing with his band tomorrow in the Pioneer building and that's my only requirement. Beyond that, anything's great at the fair!
kries
08-15-2008, 09:10 AM
I'll put a plug in also for the parking in the field adjacent to the Deaf School bounded by 42 street and Ralston. This is where we park for all of our State Fair visits and it is very convenient access into the grounds, lots of activity and pleasant parking assistance. If you have a handicapped sticker they will direct you to the front lanes.
This very large field is also free parking. And if you want a cool drink before entering or leaving the fair grounds the Deaf School has a booth set up just inside the field entrance on 42nd street, and their prices are very reasonable and a good fundraiser for the school.
I hit my all time fair attendance record this year with 11 trips onto the fair grounds for different events, competitions or just plain fine fair viewing and dining!
Enjoy the fair this weekend!
-k-
Debby
08-15-2008, 04:55 PM
Karla, I saw some of your and Michael's artwork today. Wow! Awesome! I especially liked yours that looked like (maybe) an Italian landscape. Gorgeous!
Ooh, we had so much fun today!
Maybe I'm dense but... I don't believe I've ever paid for parking and since I always go in the morning, I always park in the infield... When I don't have a free admission ticket (paper or from donating blood), I pay admission but that's it.
Right?
agingdiva
08-15-2008, 08:50 PM
The Purdue Home Extension State Chorus performed today. Later the Marion County Chorus sang by ourselves, and I was delighted that Connie's family was in the audience. It's surprising how important a friendly face becomes in an audience. If anyone wants an outlet for 3-part treble singing, I would be glad to suggest a contact in your county. PM me.
Karla, if I get back, I'm going to check out your work. Isn't it neat to be someplace and feel a tingle of recognition: "I know her!" (even though we've never met.)
Eric_Bryant
08-16-2008, 06:16 AM
Sadly we didn't make it last night. I don't see it happening this year.
I'm bummed...
Connie_M-T
08-16-2008, 12:29 PM
We had a GREAT DAY yesterday. We arrived around 10:00am and stayed till about 9:00pm. Very long day. We enjoyed listening to the ladies sing. Never knew anything like that existed, really fun. Susan's group did a great job with "Anything Goes" I was just waiting for a break in of "Blow Gabriel Blow" which is one of my favorites.
Stayed to see BreakSkate in a free concert. They were on America's best dance crew. They do dance routines on roller skate and they are from Kokomo. Unfortunately, we had to sit thru two Hard Rap groups to enjoy their performance. I don't think I was the only one in the audience (;)) who didn't understand what they were saying or what all the crotch gabbing and bobbing up and down means.
agingdiva
08-16-2008, 01:36 PM
We had a GREAT DAY yesterday. We arrived around 10:00am and stayed till about 9:00pm. Very long day. We enjoyed listening to the ladies sing. Never knew anything like that existed, really fun. Susan's group did a great job with "Anything Goes" I was just waiting for a break in of "Blow Gabriel Blow" which is one of my favorites.
Stayed to see BreakSkate in a free concert. They were on America's best dance crew. They do dance routines on roller skate and they are from Kokomo. Unfortunately, we had to sit thru two Hard Rap groups to enjoy their performance. I don't think I was the only one in the audience (;)) who didn't understand what they were saying or what all the crotch gabbing and bobbing up and down means.
Connie, again, it was so nice of you to come (to paraphrase Eliza d.) I like your suggestion of "gabriel". With a soloist like Rose Mullin, who introduced our song with her great belter's contralto, we could go places!:D
I hadn't heard that BreakSkate was going to be there!! I loved them!!
Spent our last day at the Fair yesterday- me, Christy, my kids. It was a great day and we had so much fun! T is now big enough to do Little Hands on the Farm and that was really fantastic.
Connie_M-T
08-18-2008, 12:22 PM
We did have a great day, but as usual the handicap transportation vehicle was no where to be seen or found. David swears he saw it once. I know I never saw it. We have just conceded that we need to walk everywhere and never get any rides.:mad:
We saw it a few times each day we were there... it was always packed full.
snookybaby40
08-18-2008, 04:29 PM
Hey everyone,
I just heard on the news that the fair is going to be running for seventeen days next year . . . includes three weekends. I think I heard Aug. 7th through the 23rd. Woo Hoo!!!!
AuntB
08-25-2008, 09:50 AM
I just saw this thread today, having been away for quite awhile with State Fair activities. I'm finally beginning to get caught up on things...
Thanks to all who made so many trips to the Fair and making it the fourth-largest attended in our 152-year history!! The weather -- the fabulous WEATHER!! -- entertainment and attractions, beautiful grounds and upgrades, wonderfully positive comments from our visitors...it was quite a year, and we couldn't have asked for a better one.
It's true -- beginning in 2009, the GREAT Indiana State Fair is expanding to 17 days! Five additional days, and one more weekend, to enjoy the Fair -- should be a smart move...if it doesn't kill us getting there! :)
Thanks again, all. It was a GREAT ride!
Bobbi
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