What Was New in 2009
Lucas Oil Motorsports Weekend featuring the Indy Super Pull – For the first time in nearly two decades, tractor pulls are returning to the Indiana State Fair! Drivers will compete in six different classes during three different pulls in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand on the Fair’s opening weekend, Aug. 8 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices range from $5 - $20.
Miss America 2009 Katie Stam – Indiana’s very own Katie Stam of Seymour will spend Opening Day at the Indiana State Fair Friday, Aug. 7. The former 4-Her has been coming to the fair for years, and this day she will help preside over Opening Ceremonies, conduct a Question and Answer/Autograph session and take part in the evening Daily Parade.
Wind Turbine and Solar Panels – With generous support from the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development and Indiana Power & Light Company in partnership with Green Way Supply, the Indiana State Fair Commission has installed a residential ready wind-turbine and photovoltaic awnings (solar panels) near the Normandy Barn on the north side of the fairgrounds. These working exhibitions can educate visitors about existing alternative energy and conservation resources available to everyone.
Indiana Space Travels – This exhibit, created in partnership between the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana Space Grant Consortium, celebrates the numerous and often overlooked contributions the state of Indiana has made to NASA and United States space exploration. Located in the Grand Hall all 17 days of the fair, Indiana Space Travels traces significant aeronautic Hoosiers and events dating back to 1859 with the nation’s first airmail delivery originating by hot air balloon in Lafayette. The exhibit will also include a Mars roving unit; replicas of a space capsule and the Hubble Telescope; a modular mission control board; and artifacts from various space missions.
Stars of the Peking Acrobats – Featuring approximately 13 acrobats from the People’s Republic of China, Stars of the Peking Acrobats combines athleticism, choreography and pageantry in a beautifully orchestrated production that has entertained crowds all over the world. There will be three performances daily in the Riley Fun Park. Click here to watch a video of The Stars of the Peking Acrobats.
Purina Incredible Dog Challenge – This one-of-a-kind canine competition is in its 12th year and continues to attract an incredible amount of national attention. This challenge, which will be taped and televised by ABC/ESPN, serves as the Midwestern Regional Championship with winners advancing to the finals in St. Louis, Mo. The competition consists of five events: Freestyle flying disc, Diving Dog, Jack Russell racing, Agility and 60 weave-pole racing. The competition takes place Aug. 7 – 8 in the Celebration Park.
Hedrick’s Racing Pigs – This fun, family-oriented show features professional pig callers and their athletic swine, complete with racing silks. Audience participation is encouraged and laughs are unavoidable as the pigs race down the “ham stretch” five times a day in the Riley Family Fun Park.
Celebrating Indiana Communities – Located in the Toyota Expo Hall, "Celebrating Indiana Communities" is a new exhibit that will highlight various Indiana towns and cities by showcasing local culture, commerce, festivals, attractions, and destinations. In addition, the exhibit will showcase the lesser known treasures of Indiana by focusing a spotlight on each of the 92 counties. Focusing on one of eight geographic regions at a time, this exciting exhibit will change focus throughout the Fair, creating a "new" exhibit every few days! Join us in celebrating your community!
Hoosier Heritage Day – Thursday, Aug. 13, is “Hoosier Heritage Day” and will be marked by special events and presentations that will celebrate a variety of historical aspects of Hoosier living. State Fair Boulevard will be packed with displays and presentations from a number of groups, including the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, Indiana State Museum, Indiana War Memorials Commission and many more. There will be barn raisings throughout the day in Pioneer Village and a free concert featuring Indiana’s own Jon McLaughlin, The Elms and The Why Store in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand that night.
Wacky Wheeler – Rob Summerbell is the world’s only “Whacky Wheeler” and has performed at more than 10,000 parades, shows and events. His unique act combines kinetics and acrobatics to create a highly entertaining show that includes audience participation and lots of laughs. The Wacky Wheeler rolls around the fair Aug. 18 – 23.
Slackwire Sam – Sam Johnson, aka “Slackwire Sam,” brings his unique one-man comedy show to the Indiana State Fair for eight days of fun Aug. 10 – 17. An accomplished juggler, Sam also does acrobatics and other tricks, all while balancing on a slack wire. He performs three times daily in Celebration Park.
Dazzling Mills Family – The Mills Family – Steve, Carol, Michelle and Tony – knows how to balance family and work, literally. Steve is the patriarch who puts it all on his shoulders – while riding a unicycle! He’s also a three-time “National Juggling Champion” who has passed along his passions to his children. This energetic family show performs August 7 – 16 in the Riley Fun Park.
Indiana State Fair Breakdance Battle – Dancers from all over the state will “break it down” on the WFMS Free Stage Saturday, Aug. 8 from 2 to 8 p.m. The format is a 3 vs. 3 crew competition where dancers try to impress a panel of expert judges in pursuit of the $300 first prize.
Abraham Lincoln Exhibit – A rare collection of President Lincoln artifacts will be on display in the Home & Family Arts Building throughout the run of the fair.
Chelsea House Orchestra – This unique orchestra from Chelsea, Michigan, consists of more than 30 young musicians playing everything from violins and flutes to bodhrans and djembes as it performs traditional Celtic and other eclectic forms of music. They will be part of the Farmers’ Day Parade and have two other performances in Pioneer Village on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Indiana Gospel Music Association – Gospel music lovers will enjoy a great day of music Wednesday, Aug 12 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Building as Indiana Gospel Music Association members perform a variety of traditional hymns.
Tomatoes - For the third consecutive year, the Indiana State Fair is featuring one Indiana agricultural product throughout the fair, and this year’s product is tomatoes. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Indiana ranks second in the country in production of tomatoes for processing. The total value of Indiana tomato production for both fresh and processed tomatoes is $48 million. The fair will highlight this fine fruit in the many ways, click here to visit Year of Tomatoes presented by Red Gold website.
Artery Explorer - The Artery Explorer Takes Indiana State Fair attendees on a Virtual journey through the Arteries as part of US AGAINST ATHERO, a national campaign sponsored by AstraZeneca to increase awareness of atherosclerosis -- the build-up of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases – the Artery Explorer will be appearing at the Indiana State Fair, Friday August 14 – Monday, August 17.
Familiar Exhibits & Events with New Twists
Giant Hot Air Balloon Race and Night Glow sponsored by Indiana Propane Foundation – Traditionally held on opening day, the popular launching of balloons from the fairgrounds’ infield now takes place on the second Saturday of the fair, Aug. 15. The Night Glow moves accordingly and now takes place at dusk on Friday, Aug. 14.
Traditional Arts Indiana Fiddle Contest – Regularly held on the Free Stage in Celebration Park, this unique competition moves to Pioneer Village on Saturday, Aug. 15 where it will fit right in with the folksy, rural ambiance.
Russ Parr National Radio Show – This popular broadcast has outgrown the Free Stage in Celebration Park and has been relocated to the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand. It runs 6 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10 and will again include a variety of performers inter-mixed with Parr’s special brand of fun and humor. Visit Hot 96.3 for voucher pickup information.
Sheep to Shawl Contest – This annual friendly competition has always drawn a crowd in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion, but will now be held in the Farm Bureau Building. It takes place Saturday, Aug. 22.
