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8-06-01

The 2007 Indiana State Fair: A "Corn"ucopia of Fun

It's just about that time.

Before you know it, lawn mowing will turn into leaf raking; afternoon barbecues will become chili suppers; and sunset swims will convert to pre-bedtime homework sessions. 

But before summer fades into fall, it will be time for the season's annual celebration of Hoosier heritage:  the Indiana State Fair.  And what a fair it will be.

Rascal Flatts, demolition derby, ribeye steak sandwiches, "Indiana Curiosities," alligators and "American Idols" will all be part of the 151st Fair August 8 through 19, but nothing will be as prevalent as… drum roll, please… corn.

Corn?

That's right.  Indiana's top crop is in the spotlight as the folks at the Fair debut a new program designed to educate visitors about one featured agricultural product each year.  After all, the State Fair has always been about educating the public.

But it's also always been about fun!  That's why you will find special corn-coctions like the American Cornhole Tournament, a celebrity corn husking competition and a gift shop decorated as a giant, prize-winning basket of corn.  Care to guess what the main ingredient is in this year's signature food, Cajun corn fritters? 

"We hope the emphasis on corn will remind people how important agriculture, and this crop in particular, is to our state," Cindy Hoye, the Fair's executive director, said.  "We've added some elements to the Fair that we think will be fun and leave a lasting impression with visitors."

If all the corn doesn't a-maize you, maybe the rest of the Fair will. 

Once again, the Fair will feature some of the best livestock shows in the country.  You can see all breeds of swine, cattle, sheep, horses and more in the barns, as well as the "World's Largest Boar."

As always, there is an endless list of delicious treats at the fair, from pork dinners to elephant ears and lemon shakeups.  This is the time to splurge on all of your favorite Fair foods!  And this year, all fried food at the fair will be prepared in trans fat-free oil, making it healthier and tastier. 

Just as there are different foods for a variety of taste buds, the State Fair also offers several different kinds of musical acts for a variety of musical tastes.  From Christian acts Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp to the current R&B/Hip-hop stars of Screamfest '07, there's something for everyone.

The huge midway of great rides and games also makes the Fair a blast for people of all ages!  And with nine different wristband specials, there are plenty of opportunities to ride all the rides without busting your budget.

Besides all of the traditional Fair events and activities, there are new exhibits like "Indiana Curiosities" where you will discover interesting tidbits like the Alexandria couple with the 550 lb. baseball or the Hoosier town with just three residents.

On August 13 you can witness a special, one-day only parade of circus animals and entertainers led by the International Circus Hall of Fame of Peru, Ind.  Watch as the parade travels down the Biofuels Main Street on the first Monday of the Fair.

The first four days of the Fair you can get behind the wheel and experience life as an Indy car or NASCAR driver in unique, hands-on racing simulators presented by GM!  Watch 200 mph action and racing highlights, and listen to drivers being coached across the finish line.  There will also be plenty of racing gear and a replica stock car on hand.

So take advantage of 12 of the best days of summer.  Pretty soon, you'll be scraping the frost off your windshield. 

After all, it is Indiana.

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