As a kid, one of my most vivid memories is of taking the trolley around the Indiana State Fairgrounds, hopping off for a roasted ear of Indiana sweet corn, the best corn in the world, or to stand in line for the biggest pork tenderloin I had ever seen. Usually we’d wash the food down with soda or, my mother’s favorite, freshly squeezed lemon shake-ups. My sister and I would follow close to our parents heels, blinded by the river-like movement of people, some laughing, some fanning off the thick Indiana heat, and most biting into an elephant ear, or dipping into a cone of homemade ice cream. The dings and whistles of the midway seemed to pop out of the haze of flashing lights of every color like the sparks from a campfire. Mom and Dad would lead us through the different livestock barns. I was always mesmerized and fascinated by the sometimes elaborate living areas that would be set up night next to the animals themselves. Wooden fences surrounding straw covered floors corralled sheep or pigs or cattle, then not three feet away there would be a cot with pillow and blanket where the owners would keep vigil. As I got older I competed in the State Fair Band Day, marching on a dirt track in a two piece wool suit with a saxophone to my lips and an unforgiving sun beating down on my neck. All of the discomforts overshadowed by the thrill of the lights come show time and the cheering from 3000 fans coming down from the grandstand like a tsunami. These are the memories of the Indiana State Fair for me. And now, in my thirty first year, my senses still feel the same overwhelming bombardment of fried food, bright lights, and a bustle of activity.
The 2010 Indiana State Fair starts today, August 6, and runs until August 22. Since my memories of the fair much more has been added, and some retracted, from the events and offerings. Even so, the Indiana State Fair is a pot luck of rural midwest culture. There are concerts, some free, livestock and equestrian contests, environmental awareness exhibits, historical presentations to remind us of our past, and of course, the food!
My suggestion is to check out the Fair schedule, pick one main event you might like to attend, and then allow yourself plenty of time to meander and discover the warmth and friendly culture of rural Indiana. If it is your taste, I highly recommend a pork sandwich with a genuine hoosier roasted ear of Indiana Sweet Corn. For dessert, I’m one for the tradition. You simply can’t go wrong Elephant Ears, nearly as big as their namesake, covered in cinnamon and powder sugar. Or, for the brave, try one of the out there and award winning fried anythings!
If you’re one that likes to take in the culture of a state, there is no better place to do so than the Indiana State Fair. An entire rainbow of personalities mingling and sharing. Yes, I do love Indiana, and every August I get another reminder of why.
What and Where:
The Indiana State Fair
East 38th Street and Fall Creek map
