Indiana Flower and Patio Show, March 9-17, 2019 @homeshowindy @indystatefair

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

By Tiffany Whisner
On behalf of the Flower and Patio Show

WHAT:
Become inspired, informed and energized at the 61st Indiana Flower + Patio Show! The show features showcase gardens crafted by many of Indiana’s premier landscapers, hundreds of finer outdoor living experts, and thousands of ideas, solutions and products to take home!

WHEN:
9 days: March 9 – March 17, 2019

Saturdays 3/9, 3/16 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays 3/10, 3/17 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday 3/11–3/15 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Indiana State Fairgrounds – West Pavilion, Exposition Hall. 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis.

FEATURES:

You wanted more flowers, and we listened! This year’s Flower + Patio Show is bursting with beautiful buds, more colorful and extravagant than ever. After a blooming welcome from show entrances designed by McNamara Florist, you’ll experience Showcase Gardens that will wow as you walk down the aisles. Be sure to visit both West Pavilion and Expo Hall for a variety of sprouting succulents and pleasing perennials.

One of the most popular features at the Flower + Patio Show is the Plant Market! Attendees can get a first peek at the sights and scents of the first buds of spring. Take home herbs, seeds, terrariums, cacti and hardy spring annuals. Plus, get fresh flowers, plants and supplies throughout the 4,500 square feet of the Plant Market, located at the entrance of Expo Hall.

Host of DIY Networks’ “Lawn and Order,” “Yard Crashers” and appearing with wife Peyton on HGTV’s “Going Yard,” Chris Lambton is an expert in landscaping, hardscaping, garden planning, lawn care and maintenance for all areas of your outdoor living space. Chris appears at the Flower + Patio Show Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, offering attendees landscaping tips and gardening know-how.

Landscape designer Sara Bendrick comes to the rescue of people who love their homes but hate their yards on DIY Network’s “I Hate My Yard.” She works with homeowners to create the outdoor living spaces they’ve always dreamed of! Sara will help Flower + Patio Show attendees realize the opportunity of their exterior spaces when she appears on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10.

You pick it — and take it home with you! Show visitors get to pick their very own fresh-cut gorgeous bouquets and then take home the scents, colors and textures of the season. Select your blooms, and a designer from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) puts together an arrangement just for you!

Want the chance to win a Weber Grill valued at more than $300? All you need to do is find one of four iPads set up at the Flower + Patio Show and cast your vote for “Best Garden,” “Best Use of Color” and “People’s Choice.” Just by casting your vote, you might be the winner of the grand prize, a Weber Grill presented by Ace Hardware!
On Monday, March 11, the Fairgrounds will host a food drive at the Flower + Patio Show to benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana! Donate a canned good and receive a voucher for $4 off the price of adult admission at the box office.

Hero Day at the Flower + Patio Show is Tuesday, March 12. All active and retired military, police and fire personnel get FREE ADMISSION for the day, plus FREE PARKING at the State Fairgrounds. Come pay honor and tribute to all our local heroes!

For more information, visit https://indianaflowerandpatioshow.com.

97th Indianapolis Home Show, Jan. 18-27, 2019 @HomeShowIND

The West Pavilion is one of three building at the State Fairgrounds hosting the Home Show.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2018, all rights reserved.

By Tiffany Whisner

On behalf of the Indianapolis Home Show

 

WHAT:

Always a must-attend event, the Indianapolis Home Show is in its 97th year — with more than 900 home-focused experts offering decorating, landscaping, construction and remodeling ideas, along with thousands of products for visitors to gather and compare.

 

The Indianapolis Home Show is produced by Marketplace Events, which produces 42 consumer shows in the U.S., 16 home shows in Canada, and eight holiday shows. The 66 combined events, in 32 markets, attract 20,000 exhibitors, 1.8 million attendees and another 3 million unique web visitors annually.

 

WHEN:

10 days: Friday, January 18 through Sunday, January 27, 2019

 

WHERE:

Indiana State Fairgrounds – West Pavilion, Exposition Hall, South Pavilion (1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis).

 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

 

Davis Homes Builds 2019 Centerpiece Home!

NEW THIS YEAR! Davis Homes is the builder of this year’s Centerpiece Home! The impressive structure is built entirely inside Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

 

Davis Homes, a locally/family-owned builder, is currently building in more than 20 Davis communities and custom communities in Marion County, along with building On Your Lot Custom Homes throughout Central Indiana.

 

The Centerpiece Home interior is designed by Shelby Rouse from Luxe Home Interiors, a locally-owned, full-service furniture showroom and interior design boutique specializing in the most affordable interior design, custom furniture, rugs, art and window treatments. Landscaping comes courtesy of Calvin Landscape in Indianapolis.

 

The builders and designers of the Centerpiece Home will also reveal an inside look into the making of the home.

 

Three Buildings for the Price of ONE

The Indianapolis Home Show is appearing in all three exhibit buildings for the entire 10-day run of the show. Make sure to check out Exposition Hall, the West Pavilion and South Pavilion — all three exhibit spaces for the price of one ticket to the Indianapolis Home Show. And don’t forget, the Unilock Outdoor Living Stage is in the South Pavilion — full of celebrities and presenters you don’t want to miss!

 

Renovate and Revitalize with “Two Chicks and a Hammer”

The dynamic mother-daughter duo of Karen E Laine and Mina Starsiak is back at it, filming the fourth season of HGTV’s “Good Bones.” Mom Karen shares home renovation tips, tricks and trends when she appears at the Home Show on Friday, January 18 and Saturday, January 19.

 

HGTV Star Vern Yip Returns to “Trading Spaces”

Favorite “Trading Spaces” designer Vern Yip brings a practical-minded, problem-solving approach to TLC’s home decorating show as well as his general design style. Known for his lively interiors and creativity, Vern creates his own home furnishings and lighting products as well as writes on design and travel. He will appear at the Home Show on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26.

 

Meet the Madcap Cottage Gents

John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon are the guiding force behind Madcap Cottage, a lifestyle brand that encompasses sophisticated fun, history, whimsy and grace. The Madcap Cottage duo channels a spirit and sensibility in everything from interior design projects and home décor products to accessories and fashion collaborations. See them at the Home Show on Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24.

 

Designer Cottage Delights

Looking for lots of design inspiration in one cozy package? Local designer Liz Henderson joins forces with Emergent Construction to create a cottage that is both cozy and bursting with the latest design trends! Emergent builds the cottage, and Liz and her team decorate it — showcasing different interior designs for six rooms in the home. Located in the South Pavilion, the Designer Cottage is a feature you don’t want to miss! Liz and a panel of local designers also take the stage to share design tips on Sunday, January 20 and Sunday, January 27.

 

The Grass is Always Greener …

At the Indianapolis Home Show, where the finest flora grows in feature gardens right in the middle of West Pavilion. And this year, they’ve all got amazing water features to enhance the grandeur of greenery! The area’s top landscape professionals are also adding their green touch to the Unilock Corner Beer Garden and Outdoor Living Stage areas in the South Pavilion.

 

Contributing landscapers are: BPI Outdoor Living, Grok Landscapes by Design, Country Gardens Lawn & Landscape and Vive Exterior Design.

 

The Artisan Markets

Life is too short for boring furniture! BJ Massa is the owner of Junk’d Up, helping you furnish a home as unique as you are. BJ and her team offer tips on creative finishes for furniture to take your home to a whole new level. Come visit the Artisan Markets in the South Pavilion, and get guidance on how to reimagine your furniture with one-of-a-kind finishes. Plus, see the artisans on stage at the Home Show with a look at the creative process behind their craft.

 

Raising the (Wine) Bar

Booher Remodeling Company is raising the bar on its fabulous wine feature in the West Pavilion! Partnering with PRP Wine International and Cherished Woodcraft, Booher’s luxurious bar gives Home Show attendees the chance to uncork and pour while enjoying a delicious wine tasting.

 

In a Home and Garden Near You

What’s now trending in a home and garden near you? Wearable plants, outdoor kitchens, stand-up desks and more! Hoosier Gardener Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp has been writing and speaking about natural gardening for more than 25 years. She is a contributor to “Indiana Gardening” magazine and has been writing a weekly gardening column for “The Indianapolis Star” since 1989. Get caught up in the coolest home and garden trends with Jo Ellen on Monday, January 21 and Tuesday, January 22.

 

The Queen of Free Takes the Throne

Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free, shares freebies and strategies for everyday savings along with inspiration for those pursuing a debt-free life. Cherie has appeared on WTHR-TV as a savings expert, and she’s been featured in “The Wall Street Journal” and on Yahoo Finance. Join the court of the Queen of Free at the Home Show on Sunday, January 20 and Sunday, January 27!

 

Plus:

 

Hero Day – Opening Day

Pay honor and tribute to all our heroes on Hero Day, Friday, Jan. 18! All active and retired military, police and fire personnel get FREE ADMISSION for the day, plus FREE PARKING at the State Fairgrounds. Just bring a valid ID, and come enjoy the Home Show on opening day!

 

Masters of Ceremonies WIBC’s Terri Stacy and WYXB’s Sean Copeland

Often referred to as the “Sunshine of the Morning Show” on WIBC, Terri Stacy acts as a roving field reporter for Radio Indiana. She’s also the traffic voice in morning drive time weekdays on WIBC. And Sean Copeland is downtown Indy’s morning radio personality on B105.7. His sense of humor shines in his web series, “Sean in the City,” where he travels to locations around the city to interact with residents.

 

The duo’s personality and charm come to the Home Show this year as masters of ceremonies to keep Home Show attendees informed and involved with what’s happening on the Unilock Outdoor Living Stage in the South Pavilion and throughout the Home Show. Terri appears for the Home Show’s first weekend, and Sean appears for the second weekend!

 

Unilock Corner Beer Garden in South Pavilion!

Need a place to rest and recharge during your visit to the Home Show? Visit the Unilock Corner Beer Garden in the South Pavilion, open for the entire 10-day Home Show.

 

Designed and constructed by Precision Cut Lawn Service, the beer garden invites Home Show attendees to enjoy a variety of craft beers and domestics in a unique outdoor haven.

 

TICKETS:
$15 – Adult $3 – Children ages 6-12 FREE – Children 5 and under

 

SHOW TIMES:

Fridays 1/18, 1/25 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays 1/19, 1/26 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sundays 1/20, 1/27 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday-Thursday 1/21 – 1/24 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

 

ACE DISCOUNT:
Stop by any participating Central Indiana Ace Hardware, and get your Home Show tickets at $3 off the regular box office admission price!

 

ONLINE DISCOUNT:
Check out the Indianapolis Home Show website at http://www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com and get $2 off adult admission — good every day! Make sure to go online and save! Online discount courtesy of Central Indiana Chevy Dealers

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 317.705.8719 OR VISIT THE INDIANAPOLIS HOME SHOW WEBSITE AT www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com.

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.

FAIRS Care Drive-Thru Food Drive at the @indystatefair, March 20, 2018

Canned goods, dry goods, and monetary donations welcome at the FAIRS Care Food Drive. AroundIndy.com staff photo.

By Sharon Smith
Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. 2/28/18 – In honor of National Ag Day on March 20, 2018, the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and its FAIRS Care program needs your help to provide much needed food relief for the community’s food pantry source, Gleaners Food Bank.

The “FAIRS Care Drive-Thru Food Drive” will be held on Tuesday, March 20 from 6:30-9:30 AM and 3-6 PM at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, Fall Creek Pavilion Parking Lot (located inside the main entrance off Fall Creek Parkway), at the Gate 6 entrance.

Donors who bring canned and dry goods or monetary donations to the Fairgrounds will receive one complimentary ticket (limited to the first 250 donors) to the 2018 Indiana State Fair to be held Aug 3-19.

Suggested nonperishable food items include canned meats like tuna and chicken, soups and ravioli, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly and macaroni and cheese.

“We’re told that Gleaners sees a decline in food donations in March making it a perfect opportunity to host this drive leading up to National Ag Day,” said Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. “Our team members take great pride in giving back and supporting fellow Hoosiers in need and I couldn’t be prouder of this initiative.”

In addition to the “FAIRS Care Drive-Thru Food Drive” two events being held in March at the Fairgrounds will offer attendees an incentive to donate canned or dry goods to benefit Gleaners Food Bank.

On Monday, March 12, individuals who bring canned or dry goods to the Indiana Flower & Patio Show held in the Expo Hall and West Pavilion will receive a $4 discount on admission.

On Saturday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), individuals who bring GREEN canned or dry goods (green beans, peas, spinach, lentil soup, etc.) to the 7:35 PM Indy Fuel v. Toledo Walleyes “St. Patrick’s Day” game at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum will receive an Indy Fuel promotional item, while supplies last.

For more information, visit http://indianastatefair.com, or call 317-927-7500.

Christmas Gift and Hobby Show @indystatefair, Nov. 8-12, 2017

At the Christmas Gift and Hobby Show.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2016, all rights reserved.

By Tiffany Whisner
On behalf of the show

WHAT: The All-New Christmas Gift + Hobby Show is a place where thousands of people come together to experience a unique shopping event with one-of-a-kind finds. The show features more than 350 exhibitors along with a Holiday Entertainment Stage sure to put you in the holiday mood. Plus, get the chance to meet Santa!

The Christmas Gift + Hobby Show is produced by Marketplace Events, which produces 38 consumer shows in the U.S., 14 home shows in Canada, and six holiday shows. The 58 events collectively attract 17,250 exhibitors, 1.9 million attendees and another 2 million unique web visitors annually.

WHEN: 5 days: Wednesday, November 8 through Sunday, November 12, 2017

WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds – West Pavilion

FEATURES:

Search more than 350 vendors under one roof in this exciting five-day shopping event. There truly is something for everyone on your gift-buying list!

Merry Money is back! A winner will be drawn every 30 minutes throughout the show — all five days of the show — to receive $25 in Merry Money to use at any one vendor of your choice at the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show.

Show attendees can enjoy performances from a magician, local school choirs, singers, dancers and more on the Holiday Entertainment Stage.

Don’t forget to take your picture with Santa. He’ll be seated near the 40-foot live Christmas tree — a Norway Spruce courtesy of Hillcrest Christmas Tree Farm in Greenfield, Ind.

Do you or someone you know love to read? More than two dozen Indiana authors will appear at the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show to sell, sign and read from their works.

Pay honor and tribute to all our veterans on Saturday, November 11! All veterans and active duty military get FREE ADMISSION for the day. Just bring a valid ID, and come enjoy the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show!

Donate a toy on opening day ONLY, Wednesday, November 8, to Children’s Bureau, Inc., and receive a coupon for $4 off the price of adult admission at the box office.

Santa’s Elves of Indy are setting up their workshop at the Show, with volunteers at the coat check and gift-wrapping station. All proceeds go to helping the charity assist children and families in need this holiday season.

Hello, Neighbor! Daniel Tiger will be live at the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show on Saturday, November 11 from 12-2 p.m.

How much do you enjoy the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show? Would you like tickets to go every year for the rest of your life? Visit the Show Information Booth, and sign up to win!

TICKETS: $12 – Adult

FREE – Children 12 and under

$8 – Seniors (Box Office Only)

SHOW TIMES:
11/8-11/9 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
11/10-11/11 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
11/12 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ONLINE DISCOUNT: Check out the Christmas Gift + Hobby Show website at www.ChristmasGiftandHobbyShow.com and get $2 off adult admission — good every day! Not applicable for senior tickets. Make sure to go online and save!