The Indiana State Fair, a Hoosier tradition since 1852, opens its 17-day run today. Here is some must-know information.
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, about an hour north of Columbus.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cost: General admission tickets are $12 per person. Children 5 and younger can enter for free. However, promotions offered at different times of the fair offer admission discounts such as $2 Tuesdays or free admission on the first Monday for military veterans or active military personnel. Parking: $5 on or near the fairgrounds.
Activities: Agriculture exhibits are a mainstay at the fair, with competitors of all ages vying for ribbons. There’s plenty of fun of all types, with the fair boasting 250 things to do for free over the 17-day run, including free stage concerts such as George Thorogood and The Destroyers, tonight; Brett Michaels, Monday; Montgomery Gentry, Wednesday; and the Happy Together oldies tour with hit-makers from the 1960s and ’70s, Aug. 14.
Food: More than 125 booths sell food at the fair, which celebrates The Wonderful World of Food.
Midway: Rides available for people 36 inches and taller. Individual ride tickets are $1.25, but wristband specials are also offered.
Information: indianastatefair.com
