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Indianapolis Home Show Jan. 20-29, 2023 @homeshowind
By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC
The 101st edition of the Indianapolis Home Show opens TODAY, January 20, 2023, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and continues daily through January 29.
The Home Show, located in the West Pavilion and in Exposition Hall, is an opportunity for visitors to speak with hundreds of home and decor experts for advice and to explore thousands of the newest home products.
The Home Show is open daily 10 am to 8 pm (until 5 pm on the two Sundays). Tickets range in price from $3 to $13 (under age 6 free). You can save $2 by purchasing your tickets in advance online. Also, please note that onsite parking at the State Fairgrounds is $10 at the gate.
A new and unique Centerpiece Home is on display in Exposition Hall, featuring a custom home made from shipping containers and built by Custom Container Builders.
It’s an impressive 1,808 square foot, two-story home with four bedrooms and 2.5 baths, a front and back porch along with a balcony, and even a swimming pool and pool house.
Outside the home is a poolside “casita” (a small container cottage) with one flex space plus one full bath and a kitchen.
For those of you who might find it difficult to imagine living in a home made from shipping containers, you simply have to visit the Home Show to see this Centerpiece Home for yourself. The best compliment I can give it, having personally viewed it yesterday, is that I could live in this house quite comfortably!
This year’s celebrity guests include HGTV stars Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb from Unsellable Houses, Mina Starsiak of Good Bones, and Carmel-based realtor Nina Klemm from Bravo’s Flipping Exes; also, local TV personality Patty Spitler.
There are daily presentations on the Precision Outdoors Living Stage in the West Pavilion highlighting everything from furniture repainting to renovation on a budget. Learn about decks and patios as well as the do’s and don’ts of home renovation with a panel of local designers.
And local experts will offer trends on garage doors and paint colors along with tips for organizing your home and hosting the perfect party.
For complete information about the 101st Indianapolis Home Show, visit https://www.indianapolishomeshow.com or call 317-927-1469.
2019 Indiana State Fair: August 2-18 @indystatefair
The State Fair Sky Ride at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2017, all rights reserved.
By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC
Heroes in the Heartland presented by the Indiana Donor Network is the theme for the 2019 Indiana State Fair which opens on Friday, August 2, 2019, and continues daily through Sunday, August 18, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, in Indianapolis.
The 2019 Indiana State Fair will salute Heroes in the Heartland including Hoosier Farmers, First Responders, Educators, members of the Armed Forces, and many others who keep us safe and make us proud.
With no disrespect to any other annual event in Indiana — and there are many outstanding ones — this is my #1 favorite event each year. I first attended the State Fair in 1952 (I was still in diapers!) and have attended almost every year since. I love the tradition and vibe and atmosphere, the exhibits, the animals, the music events and concerts, band day, the Midway, the balloon race, the harness racing, the shuttle train around the fairgrounds — just to name a few — and I love the great variety and selection of fair food (a State Fair milk shake from the Dairy Barn and a State Fair tenderloin are two must-do’s as far as I’m concerned). And speaking of food…
TASTE OF THE FAIR
The 2019 Taste of the Fair features some amazing and incredible food options, including Bison Hush Puppies, Angry Pretzel Poppers, Buffaloaded French Fries (see photo herein), the Hawaiian Hamanator, the Indiana Pork BBQ Split, Lamb Tacos, Hoosier Hometown Hash at the Dairy Bar, and many more mouth-watering and tempting treats. Be sure to vote for your favorite! For information, see https://www.indianastatefair.com/state-fair/taste-of-the-fair/.
Buffaloaded French Fries at the 2019 Indiana State Fair.
Photo provided by the State Fair and used with written permission.
TICKETS
General admission tickets this year are $13 each (under age 6 free). You can get a ticket online for just $8 (plus $1 convenience fee) — through August 1 — at https://indianastatefair.com. Discounted advance sale tickets are also available at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum Box Office through August 1.
A Family 4-pack is available online only for $35. This includes four tickets and one parking pass. This offer is good through August 1.
Onsite parking is available for $8 either online or at the gate.
GENERAL FAIR HOURS
Gate Hours
Friday, August 2, 2019: 8 am to 9 pm
Saturday, August 3: 7 am to 9 pm
Sunday-Thursday: 9 am to 9 pm
Friday-Saturday, August 9-10 and 16-17: 9 am to 9:30 pm
Building and Exhibit Hours
Every Day: 9 am to 9 pm
Midway Hours
Mon, Wed, Thu: 12-10 pm
Tue, Fri: 12-11 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 11 pm
Sunday, August 18: 11 am to 10 pm
DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL PROMOTION DAYS
Sunday, August 4
Ride Safe Indiana Day: First 100 motorcyclists who enter Gate 6 off Fall Creek Parkway can park along Main Street.
Monday, August 5
Chevrolet Military Day: Current and former military and their families receive free admission with valid ID presented at the gate.
Tuesday, August 6 and 13
$2 Tuesday presented by the Indiana Secretary of State: $2 gate admission, $2 midway rides, $2 food options at each food stand.
Wednesday, August 7
Indiana Pork Day: Free admission with IndyStar ticket. Seniors ages 55+ ride the shuttles for free.
Thursday, August 8
BMV Discount Day: $6 admission with printed voucher from https://www.in.gov/bmv/.
Saturday, August 10
Hoosier Lottery Day: Visitors 18+ with paid admission and a Hoosier Lottery gate flyer can receive a free Hoosier Lottery scratch-off ticket at Hoosier Lottery Town under the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand, or at Hoosier Lottery Expo Hall (while supplies last).
Sunday, August 11
Cancer Survivors Day: Fairgoers are encouraged to make a donation to Little Red Door Cancer Agency to benefit cancer survivors.
Monday, August 12
First Responders Day: First responders and their families receive free admission when ID or badge is presented at the gate.
Wednesday, August 14
Farmers’ Day presented by Union Carpenters: Seniors ages 55+ ride the shuttles for free.
Thursday, August 15
AAA Day: AAA cardholders receive free admission with a valid AAA membership card presented at the gate. One valid card per person.
STATE FAIR FREE STAGE CONCERTS
Included with admission to the fair. Seating is first-come, first-served. Located in Celebration Park on the northwest side of the fairgrounds. All shows begin at 7:30 pm except Sunday, August 18.
Friday, August 2: Ace Frehley
Saturday, August 3: TBA
Sunday, August 4: Chase Rice
Monday, August 5: Air Supply
Tuesday, August 6: Indiana Wind Symphony
Wednesday, August 7: Switchfoot
Thursday, August 8: KC and the Sunshine Band
Friday, August 9: Pop 2000 Tour hosted by Lance Bass
Saturday, August 10: David Nail
Sunday, August 11: Matthew West with Francesca Battistelli
Monday, August 12: Happy Together Tour with The Turtles, Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV, and The Cowsills
Tuesday, August 13: Sixteen Candles
Wednesday, August 14: Boyz II Men
Thursday, August 15: Melissa Etheridge
Friday, August 16: Everclear
Saturday, August 17: The Guess Who
Sunday, August 18 (3 pm): Gospel Music Festival with headliner Mary Mary
KC and the Sunshine Band is scheduled for August 8, 2019.
Photo provided by the State Fair and used with written permission.
ENTERTAINMENT
From Goat Mountain to Go-Karts to the Indiana Grown Marketplace to the Wine Garden to the Daily Parade to Putt-Putt Golf to the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest — and much, MUCH more — there’s lots to see and do every day at the Indiana State Fair. The events mentioned above just barely scratch the surface of this year’s fair.
So for complete information about the 2019 State Fair, visit https://www.indianastatefair.com/state-fair/ or call 317-927-7500. See you there?
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The Indiana State Fair provided AroundIndy.com, LLC with complimentary tickets to the 2012 Indiana State Fair; 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 annual media passes; and media passes to the 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Indiana State Fair.
162nd Indiana State Fair, Aug. 3-19, 2018 @indystatefair #indystatefair
Image provided by the Indiana State Fair and used with written permission.
By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC
With no disrespect to any other Indiana organization or event, the Indiana State Fair is simply my most favorite event of the year — and has been for more than six decades!
I started attending the Indiana State Fair in 1952. Yes. 1952! I was still in diapers. But my mother was a quilter and loved to visit the quilt display in the Indiana Arts Building. So away we went to the State Fair each summer.
An impressive quilt at the 2015 Indiana State Fair.
My most vivid memory of the State Fair is the band contest. My brother played trombone in the Anderson High School marching band that won three consecutive state championships in 1957, 1958, and 1959 — and finished 2nd in 1960! I’ll never forget the announcement of 2nd place in 1960: “And 2nd place goes to — (dramatic pause) — A – N – D” and the crowd went wild. Ben Davis won that year.
And so I’ve attended the State Fair almost every year since then, except when I was serving in the military after college and was stationed out of state.
This year is no exception. 66 years after my first State Fair, you know I’ll be there as “Step Right Up! The Greatest 17 Days of Summer” features a circus theme, August 3-19, 2018.
That’s right! New to the 2018 Indiana State Fair is a single-ring, world-class circus. Located on the north side of the fairgrounds, there will be three shows per day (included with fair admission) showcasing a variety of world-famous performers, including Bello Nock, the International Circus Superstar. The Big Top Circus is presented by Bee Window.
The Big Top Circus. Photo provided by the Indiana State Fair and used with written permission.
There are a few activities at the State Fair that I simply must observe each year out of family tradition:
- The first thing I always do is get on the Shuttle Train and take a ride all the way around the fairgrounds. It’s the best way to get a quick overview of what’s going on and where everything is located, at least IMO.
- A stop at the Dairy Barn for a State Fair Milk Shake is mandatory for me. I prefer vanilla, but there’s strawberry and chocolate, too.
- I still like to stop at the Victorian-era Hook’s Drug Store Museum and take a step back in time at the historic soda fountain and pharmacy.
- Even though my cardiologist would not approve, a State Fair tenderloin is a must. Nobody makes ‘em like the ones at the State Fair!
- And I always pay homage to my mother, who died in 2011, by visiting the quilt display as previously mentioned. A sentimental and nostalgic tradition.
In the past five years, I’ve even conquered my fear of heights (at least somewhat!) by finally mustering the courage to ride the giant ferris wheel, and last year by riding the Subaru Skyride (which was new in 2017). The Midway is so colorful and full of visual appeal, especially after dark!
The Midway at the 2015 Indiana State Fair.
Subaru Skyride. Photo provided by the Indiana State Fair and used with written permission.
I like to go through the DNR Building and view the fish aquariums. I like to go through the Agriculture-Horticulture Building and see the exhibits. I like to go through Pioneer Village and see all the vintage and antique farm equipment. I like to walk through the animal barns—it’s always interesting to look for the world’s largest hog in the Swine Barn. I like to hang around for the daily parade each evening at 6:30 pm.
And curiously, I like to walk through the underground tunnel from the infield to State Fair Main Street, because that’s my earliest memory and recollection of the fair.
But that shouldn’t dictate YOUR itinerary! There is so much to see and do at the State Fair that you simply can’t take it in all in one day. So I try to get out to the fair at least 3-4 times each year.
The Chevrolet Free Stage has some great entertainment this year, including Rick Springfield, Natalie Stovall, Anthony Hamilton, Tyler Childers, Randy Houser, Kool and the Gang, Hanson, the Happy Together Tour, Grand Funk Railroad, Hunter Hayes, the Gospel Music Festival with Kirk Franklin, and more. See the entire Free Stage schedule on our Web site at https://aroundindy.com/fairgrounds.php.
The giant hot air balloon race kicks off the fair on Friday, August 3, at sunrise (weather permitting), with the Illuminated Tractor Parade and Balloon Night at 9 PM that night. And the aforementioned State Fair Band Day is Saturday, August 4.
This year’s State Fair Queen is Audrey Campbell from Fountain County. Congratulations, Audrey!
2018 State Fair Queen Audrey Campbell. Photo provided by the Indiana State Fair and used with written permission.
The gates open daily at 8 am and are open until 9 pm Sunday-Thursday and 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Exhibit and building hours are 9 am to 9 pm.
Onsite parking is $5 until the fairgrounds parking is full. Or you can park at Glendale Mall’s Rural Street lot and ride the Indiana State Fair shuttle for free. There are also $5 lots located south of 38th Street across from the Main Gate and at the Indiana School for the Deaf on 42nd Street. And you can save $1 off fair admission when you bike to the State Fair and use one of the secured bike racks available on the Monon Trail at 38th Street.
General admission is $13 (under 6 free). You can get advance tickets for $8 before August 3. The Chevrolet Free Stage concerts are included with admission. Discount tickets can be purchased online at https://indianastatefair.com and at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center Box Office, located inside Indiana Farmers Coliseum, now through August 2.
By the way, there are several free admission specials:
- Monday, August 6: Current and former military, and their families, receive free admission with ID presented at the gate.
- Monday, August 13: Statewide Firefighters, Police Officers and EMT personnel and their families receive free admission when ID or badge is presented at the gate.
- Wednesday, August 8 and 15: Free admission with IndyStar ticket.
- Thursday, August 16: AAA cardholders receive free admission with valid AAA membership card presented at the gate.
And there are discounted admission offers on other days throughout the fair.
It’s almost impossible to write a blog post of any length and cover everything at the fair. So visit the State Fair Web site at https://www.indianastatefair.com/state-fair/ for complete information, or call 317-927-7500.
I hope to see you at the fair this year! And I hope this is the year we crack one million in attendance.
A view of the State Fairgrounds from the top of the giant ferris wheel. See, I finally did it! [grin]
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The Indiana State Fair provided AroundIndy.com, LLC with complimentary tickets to the 2012 Indiana State Fair; 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 annual media passes; and media passes to the 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Indiana State Fair.
Potatchoes at the Indiana State Fair, Aug. 3-19, 2018 @indystatefair @indianapork
Potatchoes at the Indiana State Fair. Photo provided by the Indiana Pork Producers Association and used with written permission.
Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Feb. 19-28, 2016 @indysportshow
By Dan Forst
Boat, Sport & Travel Show
ALMOST TIME FOR INDIANA’S ANNUAL OUTDOOR AND TRAVEL MEGA-SHOW: The Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis February 19-28, 2016.
Ten days just may not be enough time to see and experience all the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show has to offer. Most anything related to the outdoors and outdoor travel will be on display; from boats and RVs to hunting, fishing and even motorcycles, not to mention some of the greatest outdoor travel destinations in the country. It’s all here at the largest sport show in the nation.
One of the biggest draws to this outdoors super show is the vast and diverse number of exhibitors. There are seven spacious exhibition buildings totaling over 700,000 square feet in floor space. Whether you’re looking to buy the latest RV, boat or ATV, plan and book a hunting or fishing dream trip, meet and learn from some of the biggest names in the outdoors or merely to browse some of the latest fishing tackle, the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show definitely must be at the top of your to-do list.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds is once again home to the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show scheduled for ten exciting days February 19-28, 2016. The opening weekend, February 19-21, features two distinct shows within the show. Returning is the 25th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo including the visually inspiring Biker’s Showcase and the historical Pioneers of Hoosier Motorcycling. Brand new this year is the first ever Great American Fly Fishing Expo, also during the opening weekend. The closing weekend, February 25-28, brings back the always-popular 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo. Throughout the entire ten days, show visitors can enjoy the Boat Pavilion, RV Pavilion, Travel and Tourism Pavilion, Quiet Sports and Outdoor Living Pavilion and one of the most popular features of the show… Tackle Town.
Tackle Town encompasses 70,000 square feet of all things fishing. With over 100 exhibitors, it’s hard to imagine needing something that cannot be found here. Check out all the latest fishing tackle, boating accessories, fiberglass repair and restoration tips, book a guided fishing trip or let the young ones have a blast in the Kid’s Zone. Plus, learn from some of the nation’s top fishing pros as they demonstrate baits and cutting-edge angling techniques during daily seminars at the huge 4,000-gallon Hawg Trough.
During the second weekend of the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, visitors get an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and listen to some of the greatest living legends of the fishing world as they share fascinating stories and entertaining accounts of the early days of fishing. Scheduled are Forrest Wood, Jerry McGinnis, Hank Parker, and Billy and Bobby Murray. These heroes’ places in fishing history and their accumulative knowledge is mind blowing; something you don’t want to miss. Also on the second weekend is the Ask the Pros Seminar Series, which this year is focused on crappie fishing – one of the most popular forms of fishing here in Indiana and throughout the nation.
The RV Pavilions provide visitors some five acres of the latest RVs on the market. Show organizer, Kevin Renfro, says it is probably the biggest selection of RVs ever to appear at the show. From pop-ups to luxury coaches and travel trailers, it’s all in one place and under one roof.
Likewise, the Boating Pavilion includes 180,000 square feet of everything imaginable for boating enthusiasts. Fishing boats, ski boats and massive cruisers are all ready to board and inspect, along with a great selection of power sport crafts, side-by-sides, boating lifestyle products and accessories.
The Travel and Tourism Pavilion is a cornucopia of delight for planning your next getaway. Some 150 travel professionals from 24 different states and abroad are ready to help you plan a simple family vacation, fishing or hunting trip, or the dream trip of a lifetime. Also within the 70,000 square-foot pavilion, the Travel Café returns after a great inaugural reception last year. Here, visitors can see exciting and entertaining travel destination presentations and videos, hear about fresh new travel ideas from exhibitors in the Travel and Tourism Pavilion, and enjoy great and unique dining opportunities not typically found at an outdoor show.
Back by popular demand are the Dock Diving Dogs! Come learn more or register your own dog to participate in the world’s fastest growing dog sport. Teams will be showing off their jumping skills in events that dazzle spectators with high-flying canine athleticism at the K-9 X Games Dock-Diving Event including Alpha Air Dogs (“Big Air”), X’treme Vertical and X’treme Retrieve events.
19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo
Mark your calendars now for the 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo, February 25-28, 2016.
If you’re looking to feed your hunting hunger, this is the place to get a plate full. Exhibitors from all facets of hunting are on hand, displaying and selling products from camo to treestands. Looking to book a hunt? Look no further. The 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo has outfitters from 19 U.S. states, nine Canadian provinces and eight other countries.
The opportunity to learn from the best is in no short supply either. The Big Tine Hunting Seminar Series always brings some of the biggest names in the hunting industry to share tips and insight to help you maximize your hunting experiences. This year includes an exciting lineup including Chad Belding, host of The Fowl Life; Chuck Adams, legendary bowhunter and author; Greg Abbas, co-host of A-Way Outdoors; and archery trick shooter Byron Ferguson. Even more seminar speakers are answering all your hunting questions during the Ask The Pros seminar sessions.
Whitetail hunters will once again have the opportunity to bring in their deer to be officially scored by measurers from Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young and the I.D.H.A., the official scorekeepers for the Hoosier Record Buck program.
Over a hundred massive Indiana bucks can be seen up close and personal at the Hoosier Record Buck Trophy Deer Display.
But that’s not all. Try out a new bow in the Manufacturer’s Archery Demo Lanes or introduce a youngster to shooting at the Youth Archery Range. Waterfowl enthusiasts will find everything from duck boats to dog training, plus calls, clothing and gear at the Waterfowler Flyway. There will be treestand safety seminars, gun dog demonstrations, hunter education and much more!
Great American Fly Fishing Expo
The debut of the Great American Fly Fishing Expo, February 19-21, is destined to be one of the biggest and best events of its kind in the country. Designed with the serious fly angler in mind, this three-day fly-fishing-only show provides fly-fishing lifestyle enthusiasts with a tempting and artfully tied pattern consisting of quality exhibitors, insightful seminars, and other unique show features.
Fly-fishing manufacturers are making a special trip to Indy this year to attend this “premier” fly-fishing event. Not only can you look at products by Rio, Sage, Redington, Fish Pond, Buff, Scott Rods, Simms, Scientific Anglers and Orvis, but you can buy them as well, at the largest event of its kind in the Midwest.
From manufacturers and retailers of the latest fly-fishing rods, reels, boats, clothing, fly-tying tools and materials, and accessories, to a who’s who of fly-fishing guides, resorts, lodges and outfitters offering a full-range of angling adventures on the most productive rivers, lakes and streams here in the Midwest and around the world, exhibitors at the inaugural Great American Fly Fishing Expo will offer up that sweet combination of gear and information that fly anglers crave.
Fly-fishing guides are the true ambassadors of the sport. An intimate knowledge of the waters they fish and ongoing firsthand experience with a full gamut of available gear allows them to cut through the sport’s significant learning curve and get their clients catching fish. Even the most experienced and capable fly anglers will rapidly espouse the merits of fishing with a good guide. Their experience and information is worth top dollar. Experienced and respected fly-fishing guides from around the Midwest will be on-hand delivering riveting seminars and speaking one-on-one with attending fly anglers about the whens, wheres, and hows of catching steelhead, trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, carp and more in the Midwest’s most prolific fisheries. No guide fee required. Simply come with your ears and your questions.
While anglers, manufacturers, retailers, and guides are each essential parts of the fly-fishing industry, equally critical are the grassroots conservation organizations that have done so much to protect and expand habitat, educate, and improve our enjoyment of the sport of fly-fishing. Along with guides and shops, these organizations are tremendous resources for individuals and families looking to learn more about the sport of fly-fishing.
Several such clubs and organizations will not only be exhibiting at the Great American Fly-Fishing Expo, but will also be involved in offering a variety of special features and attractions such as fly-casting lessons and demonstrations at the fly-casting pond, fly-tying lessons and demonstrations, and educational workshops on fish, habitat and other critical conservation topics.
Have kids? Be sure to bring them along to the Great American Fly Fishing Expo. They’ll be able to tie their own fly with the assistance of expert volunteers, and then receive a special “fishing license” they can take to the trout pond and catch a fish on their very own fly.
Our own Midwest region is firmly on the map of global fly-fishing hot spots, offering hundreds of well-known and lesser-known world-class fisheries. Now, the Midwest has the premier fly-fishing show to match. Whether you’re a passionate fly-fisherman, guide, club member, retailer, manufacturer, or represent any other aspect of the fly-fishing industry, make plans to cast a line into the fray at the inaugural Great American Fly Fishing Expo, February 19-21, 2016, opening weekend of the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
One ticket gets you into all of the shows open on the day of your visit. To learn more about the Ford 62nd Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, the 19th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Expo, the Great American Fly Fishing Expo, the 25th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo and all the other great happenings, visit http://indysportshow.com/. New features are added to the website frequently, so be sure check back often.
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