See Ya at the State Fair

Not every state has a great state fair, so I'll take you to Indiana's.

This is the 1918 Sideshow.

Notice most of the fairgoers are men. Note the fashions. There's no sideshows anymore.

1958 Fair Tram

I have to admit the tram hasn't changed in over fifity years, except the tractiors now run on soy biodiesel fuel.

Fair Queen Contest

We still have a fair queen every year, but I don't think they have a swimsuit contest. Each county sends their own 4-H Fair Contest Queen to compete. Often the competitors participate in a fashion show of clothes they designed and sewed 
themselves.

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Anyone Regonize these Guys?

In 1964, the Beatles arrived to play at the Indiana State Fair. Many bands play at the state fair every year.

Racing is a big part of the state fair. Standardbred horses are used for racing. They race with a fast, showy trot rather than a full out gallop.

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Animals are a huge part of the fair. Competitiors that won on the local level can compete at the state level. All animals get a full spa treatment including haircuts before entering the show ring.

This is a wonderful opportunity for child and adult alike to experience farm animals.

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Carriage Horse

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Boys Earing Roasted Corn

Sheep wearing tropical coats

Fair Food

As far as fair food, if it can be fried, it will be. If it can be put on a stick, it will be, too. 

We always stop at the dairy barn that sells ice cream, milk shakes, and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is run by 4-H members. I was in 4-H as a kid, as were my children, and we worked at the local 4-H food stand each year. I recommend it as probably the cheapest place to eat and profits go back to the 4-H organization. 

Daughter Sarah & Me at the Glass Barn

Each year my daughter and I attend the fair. It's great fun seeing the animals, exhibits, feeding the animals at the petting zoo, cheering on the racing pigs this year,  fair food, photo opps, and meandering through the flea market.

Double Decker Carousel

The Midway is a big draw with its various rides and games of chance. On my first visit to the fair with my now husband, he won a dragon and unicorn for me, which made me the envy of many children. :) I still have both stuffed animals. I can see my characters Tenny and Blue from The Tenacious Librarian Series wandering the fair grounds. Blue would definitely hang out with the dairy cows. Hope you enjoyed your visit to the Indiana State Fair.

The Boone High School Band can play us out.

Ferris Wheel at Sunset

What are your favorite fair memories?

Photos from Indianapolis Star, self-taken, or from the Glass Barn.