State Fair the perfect place for Indiana's First Lady

Cheri Daniels promotes women's health, participates in many other fair events

INDIANAPOLIS - The state's First Lady is a fair lady, specifically a State Fair Lady.  And Cheri Daniels continues to show her fondness and affection for Indiana's biggest annual event year after year.

Daniels has experienced just about everything possible at the Indiana State Fair.  She's milked cows, shucked corn and even spat both watermelon seeds and crickets.  Yes, crickets.  When it comes to the State Fair, there's just about nothing Daniels won't do.

"I just love the State Fair!" she said.  "My family used to travel from New Albany to attend when I was growing up.  Now I have the privilege of participating in a number of great activities, including one that helps promote women's heart health."

She is referring to the Heartland Walk for Health presented by Clarian Cardiovascular, something she has led for the past four years.  This year's two-mile stroll takes place on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 8 a.m., starting at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand Side Lot.

"As women juggle their many responsibilities, they often forget to make time to take care of their own health," she said.  "This annual walk is a way to remind Hoosier women that they need to prioritize their own health so they can have strong hearts and bodies in order to live long, healthy lives."

Daniels is an avid walker herself, usually logging 10 miles a day.  She keeps appraised of Hoosiers' health issues through partnerships with INShape Indiana and as a member of the advisory board for the Indiana Heart Hospital.  She and her husband, Gov. Mitch Daniels, have raised four daughters, and all of them of have spent plenty of time at the Indiana State Fair.

"I always took my girls and their friends to the State Fair when they were younger," she said.  "They loved the wild rides, tasty treats and variety of animals, but we couldn't leave without seeing their favorite part - the pig races!"

Although the girls are all grown, Daniels still finds herself at the fair - a lot.  When she's not spitting seeds or milking cows, she's usually visiting with other Hoosiers to find out what's on their minds.  The fair never seems to get old to her, and there's something new to experience every year.

"Last year, Mitch secretly planned a ride for me in the Balloon Race, which I wasn't too sure about," she said.  "I was fine once we got up there - it was a beautiful view - but I was even happier once we got back on the ground.

"I plan to be at the Fair all 17 days this year, so I'm very excited to find out what adventures I'll experience this year."

About Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair is the state's largest multi-day event attracting more than 840,000 people annually.  This year's fair stretches over three weekends August 7 - 23 as it celebrates the Year of Tomatoes presented by Red Gold.  Known nationally for its livestock shows, Pioneer Village, Little Hands on the Farm T and a variety of unique, fun foods, the Indiana State Fair offers tremendous family entertainment for a gate admission of $8, $7 in advance (kids 5 and younger are free).  For more information, please visit www.indianastatefair.com.  

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