7th Annual Indy Burger Battle, July 27, 2019 @indyburgers

By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC

The 7th annual Indy Burger Battle is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 1 to 4 pm (VIP entry at 12 pm), on the west block of Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.

This event features 16 local restaurants competing for the title of Best Burger by offering sample sliders to event patrons. Patrons may sample the burgers and vote for their favorite. Local celebrity judges will also pick their favorite.

Upon entry each guest receives a battle card which allows you to try one burger from every restaurant. Each restaurant’s logo is displayed on the battle card along with a select group of sponsor logos. Tickets also include one complimentary pour of beer courtesy of local brewery partners (or soda or water for those under 21).

All proceeds from the Indy Burger Battle benefit Building Tomorrow, an Indianapolis based non-profit galvanizing communities to support thriving schools in underserved areas. Building Tomorrow’s goal is to ensure all children access an inclusive, quality education; the organization currently reaches over 100,000 students in rural Uganda. 

Tickets for this event are $30 ($35 at the gate, $10 ages 6-12, $50 VIP) and are available on Building Tomorrow’s Web site at this address: https://www.buildingtomorrow.org/happenings/indy-burger-battle/.

Please note that tickets are not refundable. If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, your ticket purchase will be considered a donation to Building Tomorrow.

For more information, visit http://indyburgerbattle.com, or call 317-632-3545.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.
4. Even though my cardiologist would not approve, a State Fair tenderloin is a must. Nobody makes ‘em like the ones at the State Fair!

5. 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.

“Circle of Lights” Celebration on Monument Circle, Nov. 24, 2017 @indydt

Monument Circle during the holiday season.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reservd.

By Jennifer Hanson
Downtown Indy, Inc.

INDIANAPOLIS – For 55 years, thousands of spectators have gathered Downtown at Monument Circle to see the most spectacular holiday display illuminate. Central Indiana’s most beloved tradition is here again. Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Circle of Lights® presented by IBEW #481 will take place the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 24, 2017.

“The Electrical Workers of IBEW #481 are thrilled to be the presenting partner of Circle of Lights,” said Steve Menser, IBEW #481 business manager. “The tradition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the standards, skill and capability of the union electrical industry along with our community commitment. We invite all Hoosiers to kick off their holiday celebration with us!”

NEW THIS YEAR: The decorations on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument will look familiar – 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights, strung from the top of the Monument to its base.

However, all of the strands are new this year including the use of LED bulbs for the first time ever. These improvements are the first phase of the Keeping Spirits Bright capital campaign with a goal to raise $2 million to further enhance and keep this beloved tradition alive.

The Monument will continue to be surrounded with 26 larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors and 26 peppermint sticks.

More than 100,000 spectators are expected for the FREE ceremonial lighting and holiday kickoff on Friday, Nov. 24. Entertainers chosen from statewide video auditions will share the stage with Sandi Patty, host of the Indianapolis Symphony’s IPL Yuletide Celebration.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the live televised show running from 7 – 8 p.m. on (NBC) WTHR-13. The Monument light-up will occur at approximately 7:55 p.m.

And who gets to “flip the switch?” Each year, a lucky child is chosen from the Carson’s Coloring Contest to help Santa illuminate the night.

To conclude the evening, watch the sky for a spectacular fireworks finale.

Millions of sightseers will take in this brilliant spectacle throughout the holiday season, lit through early January. Travelocity named the Circle of Lights® one of the top five “must-see Christmas trees” in the nation. USA Today also listed the Circle of Lights® as one the “10 Best Holiday Attractions.”

BONUS: After the Monument is lit, head to Carson’s Department Store for FREE Selfies with Santa from 8 – 10 p.m.

As the presenting partner of Circle of Lights®, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) #481 represents more than 3,000 electrical workers. IBEW #481 provides the needed expertise, highly trained workforce, safety and dedication to help build many of Central Indiana’s premiere education, health care, utility and logistics projects. Visit www.ibew481.org.

Circle of Lights® is an official program of Downtown Indy, Inc. which focuses on three areas: development, management and marketing to advance Downtown as a great place to live, learn, work and play. Visit www.downtownindy.org for more information or call 317-237-2222.

May 2016 in Downtown Indianapolis

Indianapolis skyline. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

By Amanda Dorman
Downtown Indy, Inc.

Wholesale District Beautification Day
Community members are coming together for a morning of partnership, productivity and fun as district employees participate in the ninth annual Wholesale District Beautification Day Monday, May 2. More than 200 volunteers will create a clean, pedestrian-friendly environment for the district’s sidewalks, store fronts and businesses. Tasks include sweeping the sidewalks and curbs, removing stickers, painting over graffiti and picking up litter.

100th Running HandleBar Hot Lap on Monument Circle
In the spirit of the 100th Running of the Indy 500, HandleBar, Downtown Indy, Inc. and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are hosting the 100th Running HandleBar Hot Lap on Monument Circle Friday, May 6 at 11:30 a.m. Races include one-on-one laps around Monument Circle with pit stops and vehicle tweaks. The races will be structured into a 24-team single elimination bracket, narrowing down Indy’s best, culminating in a championship race between the top two teams. Businesses are invited to register a team (10 participants) online for $100/team.

Georgia Street comes to life with Downtown Indy, Inc.’s Summer Series
Downtown Indy, Inc. has again partnered with local fitness studios for Workout Wednesday – fun, all-levels group fitness sessions on the Boardwalk. Hip Hop on Georgia Street in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis begins May 4 and reoccurs weekly from noon – 12:45 p.m. Each workout will begin with a local personality/celebrity for the warm-up. The celebrity will be announced each week via Twitter (@GeorgiaStIndy). A new addition to Workout Wednesday this year will be Sunrise Yoga on the Canal in partnership with Invoke Studio. Sunrise Yoga begins June 1 and takes place weekly on the Vermont Street Plaza from 6 – 6:45 a.m.

Happy Hour Thursdays return to the Boardwalk beginning May 5.
Georgia Street’s center block will turn into a work respite from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. Listen to music from live DJs, relax with friends and order appetizers and drinks from the Boardwalk Bar staffed by the Omni Severin Bar. There’s no cover charge, but all attendees must be 21 and older.

Downtown workers can also enjoy ongoing Food Truck Fridays.
Eat lunch alfresco on the Georgia Street Boardwalk and enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown during weekly from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May means 500 Festival events
Race fans are invited to Rock-IN-Roar 500 – a music festival and community celebration on Georgia Street that officially “drops the green flag” on Race Week in Indianapolis. On May 20 from 5 – 10:30 p.m., 500 local musicians, led by John Mellencamp keyboardist Troye Kinnett and IndyCar driver Will Power, join together to perform One Republic’s “Love Runs Out” in a musical tribute to the spirit of the 100th Indy 500. Attendees can witness SPECTACLE: Sights & Sounds of the Indy 500 on Georgia Street, featuring a unique light show with some of the most memorable radio calls from the past 100 years. Following this FREE Rock-IN-Roar 500, SPECTACLE will run at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. May 21 – 29.

The 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon takes off Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 a.m. The course begins at the intersection of Washington and West streets, heads west to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and does a complete lap around the 2.5 mile track before heading back down New York Street. In addition to the Mini, kids ages 3 – 10 can participate in the non-competitive Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run May 14 at 10:30 a.m. After the Mini, head to Military Park for the FREE 500 Festival Post Race Party.

The 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade kicks off at noon May 28 at noon. About 300,000 spectators from around the country will line the streets of Indianapolis for one of the nation’s premier parades. The month-long roster of events culminates with the 100th running of the Indy 500 on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Original Farmers’ Market returns May 4
Downtown’s Original Farmers’ Market returns to Indianapolis City Market on May 4 and continues every Wednesday through October. The market is open from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Market Street between Delaware and Alabama Streets. Market Street will be closed each Wednesday during this time.

Bring Mom Downtown on Mother’s Day
Downtown attractions and restaurants will make Mother’s Day extra special. Visit Mother’s Day Weekend at the Indianapolis Zoo May 7 and 8 and enjoy a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt, photo stations, free treats and more. Attend Mother’s Day at the IRT on May 8 and enjoy brunch at noon followed by a performance of The Mousetrap at 2 p.m. Georgia Reese’s is offering a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet all day from 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Hot happenings at Downtown attractions
Mini Golf that combines original art and playful competition is coming to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The much anticipated Artist Designed Mini Golf opens to the public May 10. The course features 18 holes designed by local and regional artists and in honor of Indiana’s Bicentennial, each hole is inspired by Indiana history and landmarks. Tickets are FREE for IMA members and included in regular admission for non-members.

Easley Winery’s outdoor music series Groovin’ in the Garden kicks off on May 21 and runs through September. Enjoy daily wine specials and live music in a relaxing environment every Saturday from 2 – 5 p.m. This series is FREE.

Indiana Historical Society’s Concerts on the Canal return on May 26 and take place every Thursday night from 6 – 8 p.m. through July 28. The 2016 Concerts on the Canal series features a spectacular lineup of entertainers including Shannon Forsell, Flying Toasters, Funk Quarter and The Bishops. Seating is FREE on the grassy hill across the Canal or reserve a table on the terrace for extra.

Cheer on your favorite teams
Catch one (or more) of the 16 Indianapolis Indians home games at Victory Field this month. Enjoy monthly promos including 2-for-1 Tuesdays, Thursday Craft Beer Night, Friday Fireworks and Kid’s Eat Free Sundays. On May 3, share your favorite game with your pup: Bark in the Park allows dogs and their owners a chance to enjoy the game from the right field lawn. There are two chances to catch the Indy Eleven at home: May 7 and May 21.

For more information, call 317-237-2222.

Ten Great Indiana Events: Number 3 Might Surprise You

By Bob Burchfield, Editor
AroundIndy.com, LLC

Once again this week a reader asked, via email, “What are the best events in Indiana?” Hmmm…talk about a loaded question! That’s kind of like trying to name Indy’s best burger (which is sure to provoke an argument) or trying to answer the eternal question: “What is Hip?” (sometimes hipness is what it ain’t). One person’s pleasure is another’s poison.

Nevertheless, in an attempt to address the question, I’m going to offer ten of my personal favorite events in Indianapolis and Indiana. I’m well aware that others would likely choose an entirely different list, because we all have our own likes and dislikes.

Also, if I lived in South Bend or Fort Wayne or Evansville or elsewhere, I’m certain my list might be different. So please don’t send vehement text messages or emails saying something like, “I can’t believe you left the Three Rivers Festival off your list,” or “Why didn’t you include the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival?” or “Where’s the Covered Bridge Festival on your list?” (But I would like to hear your choices in the comments section below.)

Having made those disclaimers, here goes!

#10. Christmas City Walkway of Lights

Christmas City Walkway of Lights in Marion, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2014, all rights reserved.

Matter Park in Marion, Indiana, about 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, presents the Christmas City Walkway of Lights every November/December. For $5 you can drive your car load of passengers through the park and see a huge variety of colorful and visually-appealing holiday light displays, with millions of lights, featuring everything from the IU logo to the 12 days of Christmas. Be sure to time your visit so you arrive just after dark. It’s even cooler if you park your car and walk through the park. Your kids will love it. See http://www.walkwayoflights.org/

#9. St. Joan of Arc French Market

French Market at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at 46th and Central Avenue in Indianapolis holds its parish festival every summer in August. I finally made it to the French Market in 2015 and was enthralled by the laid-back, easy-going setting, the big crowd, the variety of French cuisine, and the many vendors and activities in a beautiful neighborhood setting. Admission is free, but parking in the neighborhood can be a challenge. See http://www.sjoa.org/frenchmarket/

#8. Mid-Summer Festival

Mid-Summer Festival at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Speedway, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

St. Christopher Catholic Church conducts an annual parish festival each summer in July. I love this festival for its neighborhood setting in Speedway on Indy’s west side at 16th and Lynhurst, plus its excellent variety of cuisine and carnival rides. Admission is free, but finding parking in the neighborhood can be a challenge. It’s pay-as-you-go at the food booths and rides. See http://indyfestival.com/

#7. Indianapolis Indians

Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

The Indians are the AAA minor league baseball team in Indianapolis. They play their home games at Victory Field, 501 West Maryland Street, in downtown Indy. I love to go out to the ball park because the action is up close and personal, tickets are reasonably priced in the $10-15 range, and the skyline of Indianapolis presents a beautiful backdrop for a baseball game. Monday Dollar Nights offer hot dogs, peanuts, potato chips, Cracker Jack and popcorn for just $1 each. See http://indyindians.com/

#6. Indy Greek Festival

Middle Eastern dancing at the Greek Festival in Carmel, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

This is a colorful event held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Carmel, Indiana each summer in August. The Greek food is plentiful, the Middle Eastern dancing and music is so enjoyable, and the sanctuary inside the church is breathtaking. Be prepared for long lines in the food court, and you may have to park at Marsh Supermarket more than a mile away on Michigan Road and wait for a shuttle bus to transport you to the church. See http://indygreekfest.org/

#5. Italian Street Festival

Italian Street Festival at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

I love the Italian Street Festival at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens Street in Indianapolis, across the street from the Eli Lilly Company. The food is terrific (the four-layer carrot cake is unforgettable), the neighborhood atmosphere is enjoyable, admission is free, and I can usually find free parking across the street from the church. By now you are probably thinking that I’m a devout Catholic based on my selections thus far, but I’m not. I just love a good festival. See http://www.indyitalianfest.org/

#4. Indiana Flower and Patio Show

Indiana Flower and Patio Show at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

This show is held each spring at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, in Indianapolis. It’s a great event with colorful displays, lots of good ideas for decorating and home improvement projects, and a photographer’s delight. See http://hsishows.com/wp/indianaflowerandpatioshow/

#3. Feast of Lanterns

Feast of Lanterns at Spades Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

This one-day festival doesn’t always get a lot of media coverage, but when they turn on the lanterns after dark, this is one of the most beautiful and colorful events in the city, in my opinion, held at Spades Park on Indy’s near east side in August. Food trucks, lots of vendors, a beer garden, and a neighborhood setting combine to make this event so enjoyable. Admission is free, but parking in the neighborhood can be a real challenge. Take your own chair and enjoy a lovely evening (opting for acoustic music would further improve this event, IMO). See https://www.facebook.com/IndyFeast

#2. Circle of Lights Celebration

Circle of Lights on Monument Circle as viewed from the Skyline Club. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2009, all rights reserved.

Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis transforms into a holiday showplace with the lighting of “the world’s tallest Christmas tree,” free live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Admission is free, so join me and 100,000 of my closest friends for this annual holiday tradition. See http://www.downtownindy.org/happening-downtown/hot/circle-of-lights/

#1. Indiana State Fair

Indiana State Fair midway in Indianapolis. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2015, all rights reserved.

I’ve been going to the Indiana State Fair since 1953 when I was still in diapers. It’s unquestionably my number one favorite event of the year. There is so much to see and do. You can’t really see it all in one day, but it’s fun to try! I like to ride the shuttle train all the way around the fairgrounds at least once just to see what’s new, then jump off the shuttle and work my way around the fairgrounds on foot.

My mom’s favorite was the quilt display in the Family Arts Building, so I always stop by and view the quilts to honor her memory. My brother played trombone in the Anderson High School marching band that won three consecutive state championships in the late 1950’s. So our family has a long and enjoyable history at the fair. The food is unbeatable, the midway is lively and colorful, the concerts feature national recording artists, the hot air balloon launch is inspirational, and a stop at the Dairy Bar for an official State Fair milk shake is a must. There’s something for everyone. See http://www.in.gov/statefair/

Honorable Mentions:

1. Dig IN: A Taste of Indiana at White River State Park in Indianapolis
2. Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival on Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis
3. Indy Irish Fest at Military Park in Indianapolis
4. Freedom Blast Fireworks Show on July 4 in downtown Indianapolis
5. St. George Festival at St. George Orthodox Christian Church in Fishers, Indiana

How did I do? What are YOUR favorite Indianapolis and Indiana events of the year? Let me know in the comments because I try to cover as many Indianapolis and Indiana events as possible each year, and I’ll try to get to as many of them as I can.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: AroundIndy.com, LLC received a Media Pass to the 2011 Indiana State Fair, complimentary tickets to the 2012 Indiana State Fair, a 2015 Media Pass, and a media pass to the 2015 Indiana State Fair. You may think I’m biased as a result, but I was going to the fair decades before these complimentary passes were offered.