What's New in 2008

Year of Indiana Trees - This year's fair will highlight our Indiana trees through fun, educational programming and events including 50 newly planted trees around the grounds and an unique Lumberjack show. Read this to find out more, such as how Indiana trees have a huge agricultural impact on our state.

Indiana State Fair Covered Bridge - Constructed after the famous Parke County bridges and constructed of Indiana Hardwoods, the Indiana State Fair Covered Bridge is a permanent structure on the northwest side of the campus. Click image to the left to help build a covered bridge at the Indiana State Fair.

Olympics of the Forest Lumberjack Show presented by Toyota Trucks - Featuring 4 of the strongest lumberjacks in the country that will amaze you with log rolling, cross cut sawing, and ax throwing. Farm Bureau Celebration Park will be the location all 12 days of the Fair, with three 35-45 minute shows
per day.

Indiana's Got Game! Exhibit - A newly created exhibit in the Grand Hall features Indiana sports including basketball, football, hockey and baseball. There will be interactive areas that explains how the sports evolved in Indiana. Indiana sports celebrities will be brought in for visitor autographs.

Home & Family Arts Third Floor Art Showing - The DNR's Project Learning Tree Art Exhibit will be housed in the Home & Family Arts Building. Classroom K-12 are challenged to develop artwork centered around Indiana trees to help focus on the "Year of Trees!"

Comcast presents Marcan Tigers of India - Located in the Riley Fun Park these beautiful tigers will sure to be a crowd pleaser. The Tigers of India is an award winning educational show unlike any other. The heartwarming show highlights the incredible bond of man and tiger while showcasing the animal's natural behaviors.

Normandy Barn - The move of the Normandy Barn to the north side of the fairground gives visitors the chance to learn about modern and contemporary agriculture in a 2,500 sq. ft. display. Displays will focus on the environment, food/fiber, technology and much more.

Greenhouse - Another new addition to the campus is the newly constructed Greenhouse erected near the Normandy Barn. The greenhouse, utilized throughout the school year as part of our Education Program, will be flourishing with native plants of Indiana.

Garfield presents "Happy Birthday to Me" - One of the most infamous Hoosiers is Garfield the Cat, created by Jim Davis, an Indiana cartoonist. With the onset of Garfield's 30th birthday, Kid's Day (Aug. 11) will include Garfield throughout the Fair. Look for him in the National City Daily Parade, on the Main Street Stage, at the Riley Fun Park and at a "Happy Birthday to Me!" Garfield Show in the Farm Bureau Building.

International Circus Hall of Fame - This year, the Circus is featuring the Zoppe Family and the royal afghan champions dogs and fabulous rhesus monkeys! Shows are three times a day in the Riley Fun Park for Kids.

Drum Corp. International - Indiana is hosting the Drum Corp International in mid August. The State Fair will feature many of the drums in the Grandstand side lot on opening day, August 6. They will also perform before Finals of TripToCollege.org Band Day Competition. Drum Corps International is the world leader in producing and sanctioning competitive marching music and related stadium events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching music ensembles for students.

DNR's Fishin' Pond & Amphitheater Area goes Smoke Free - Continuing our movement toward a healthier environment for our visitors, the newest area to be Smoke Free is the DNR area where kids can learn to fish and explore the natural resources of our state.

Mac Reynolds Barn - The Reynolds family has been a supporter of the State Fair for over 50 years. To mark this commitment, they have donated a permanent pole barn which will be on the north side of the fairgrounds. Throughout the year, the barn will be utilized for various components of the education program "The States' Largest Classroom."

Hoosier Lottery Millionaire Game - Back this year in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand on Thursday, August 14 is the once popular Hoosier Millionaire Game. The selection of contestants requires a purchase of a ticket and must be submitted between 4-6pm. No entries will be accepted after 6pm.

Wacky Wheeler - Strolling entertainment, August 12-17. Strolling - or better put, rolling - through the Fairgrounds, the Wacky Wheeler is sure to be a crowd pleaser in 2008. Described as the most uniquely kinetic and acrobatic specialty act of its kind, the Wacky Wheeler defies gravity as he surfs and perfoms atop his gigantic wheel. He will be strolling primarily in the afternoons and in the National City Daily Parade.