Indy Fuel Preseason Games, Oct. 7-8, 2016

Indy Fuel Ice Hockey at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Indiana.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2016, all rights reserved.

By Brent Hollerud
Indy Fuel ECHL Ice Hockey

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, announced their 2016 preseason schedule Thursday. The Fuel will meet the Fort Wayne Komets in a home-and-home exhibition doubleheader; starting on Friday, October 7, 2016, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, before shifting to Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 8. Friday’s game in Fort Wayne is scheduled for an 8 p.m. puck drop, while Saturday’s contest in Indy is slated for 6 p.m. ET.

All in attendance at Saturday’s game between the two in-state rivals will receive a 2016-17 Fuel magnet schedule. Indy’s preseason finale will be capped off with a post-game autograph session in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum lobby with the entire team. Tickets for the exhibition showdown are included in all Full-Season, Half-Season, and 9-Game Ticket Plans, and will be just $10 for the general public.

Announcements will be made in the coming weeks with more information regarding preseason and 2016-17 single game tickets, as well as the Fuel’s full promotional schedule for their third season at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

The organization also announced Thursday the addition of Terry Ficorelli as the club’s new Director of Media Relations. A familiar voice to Indiana hockey fans, Ficorelli brings over 30 years and 3,500 games of play-by-play experience to the Fuel broadcast booth. The Detroit native spent the last six seasons in Evansville – serving as the Vice President of Communications, Broadcasting and Marketing for the CHL and ECHL IceMen from 2010-2014, before holding the same position with the NA3HL’s Evansville Thunderbolts in 2015-16.

Prior to arriving in Indiana, Ficorelli spent 15 years in Muskegon, Mich. manning the microphone for the UHL Fury and the IHL Lumberjacks, providing the call for four Fury championships in a six-year span from 1999-2005. In addition to the team success during his time in Muskegon, “Fic” became the first person to win both UHL Broadcaster of the Year and Public Relations Director of the Year honors twice.

Opening Night of the 2016-17 Fuel season is coming Friday, October 14 and Season Ticket Plans are now on sale! Join the team for year three at Indiana Farmers Coliseum by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Full and Half-Season packages are available, as well as 9-Game Plans and Group Ticket options. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the Fuel on Facebook.

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.

Tate Fritchley Chosen as Indiana State Fair Queen

Tate Fritchley, 2016 Indiana State Fair Queen.
Photo provided by the Indiana State Fair and used with written permission.

By Lesley Gordon
Indiana State Fair

Over the past weekend, Miss Vanderburgh County, Tate Fritchley, was crowned the 58^th Indiana State Fair Queen. Miss Indiana State Fair 2016 was selected over 86 other contestants after three days of judging.

The Indiana State Fair Queen plays a key role in promoting the Indiana State Fair by traveling nearly 6,500 miles during June and July to approximately 45 counties in preparation for the Indiana State Fair Celebrating Indiana’s Bicentennial, August 5-21, 2016.

The 10 finalists include:

1st Runner Up	Miss Whitley County, Alivia Roberts
2nd Runner Up	Miss Boone County, Shelby Lamb
3rd Runner Up	Miss Putnam County, Kristen Stevens
4th Runner Up	Miss Madison County, Courtney Hinton
	Miss Fountain County, Tilly Marlatt
	Miss Steuben County, Daisy Dallas
	Miss Adams County, Jessica Ripley
	Miss Johnson County, Samantha Morris
	Miss Allen County, Erica Hoot
Miss Congeniality	Miss Wells County, Emily Bertsch

Miss Indiana State Fair, Tate Fritchley, is currently a senior at Evansville North High School and a proud 10 year 4-H member of the Horse and Pony Club. Fritchley plans to study Physical Therapy at the University of Evansville this fall. Fritchley is the second representative of Vanderburgh County to be selected Indiana State Fair Queen, preceded by Karen Koester in 1974.

This year’s judges included Adam Kallick, of Centaur Gaming, Kimberly Swabsin, Indiana State Fair Queen 1988, and Beth Vaughn, RTV6 Good Morning Indiana.

Also, the 2016 State Fair theme, “Celebrating Indiana’s Bicentennial,” was announced at the Indiana Association of Fairs (INAF) Convention. As the State of Indiana prepares to celebrate 200 years of Hoosier heritage the 2016 Indiana State Fair will also join in the festivities. Fairgoers can look forward to several exhibits and special features that highlight our state’s history, art and tradition.

To learn more about the 58th Indiana State Fair Queen visit the website, indianastatefair.com.

Indiana Flower and Patio Show, Mar. 14-22, 2015

At the Indiana Flower and Patio Show. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2012, all rights reserved.

By Sara Holtz
On behalf of the Indiana Flower & Patio Show

The Indiana Flower & Patio Show is scheduled for Mar. 14-22, 2015, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Think “fresh” when spring arrives at central Indiana’s original finer outdoor living show, which will host over 450 exhibitors, 50+ expansive showcase and exhibitor gardens, refreshed Expo Hall, “Indiana’s Own” artisans, seminars, children’s recreation area, pet adoptions, and new 4,500-square-foot plant market with fresh-cut flowers, herbs and more!

Showcase garden designers will offer out-of-the-box ideas, inspiring outdoor structures, incredible fire features, stunning water gardens, dream outdoor kitchens, ingenious plantings, the latest trends in outdoor furniture, hardscapes, and stones and boulders to finish off picture perfect spaces.

First 100 guests to check in at the information booth every day receive a swag bag. Marsh Day will feature giveaways from 10 a.m.-2 p.m on March 17.

New convenient parking is located at the Fairgrounds 38th Street lot. For more information, including listings of landscape designers and exhibitors, show features, stage schedule, and admission discounts, log on http://www.IndianaFlowerandPatioShow.com.

EVENT:
57th annual Indiana Flower and Patio Show

DATES:
Sat, March 14 through Sun, March 22, 2015

TIMES:
10 a.m.- 7p.m. Mon – Wed; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thurs – Sat; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday

COST:
$13 adults; $9 seniors 65+ on Senior Day (March 16); children 12 and under free; $5 parking per vehicle; discount tickets and $3 coupon available online

LOCATION:
Indiana State Fairgrounds Expo Hall & West Pavilion, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis 46205

MORE INFO:
317-927-7500

Things to do in Indianapolis, Aug. 11-17, 2014

Madison Ribberfest, Aug. 15-16.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

15 Public Events in Indianapolis and Indiana
VERIFY ALL EVENT LISTINGS TO BE CERTAIN THEY WILL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED

1. THU-SUN: Gen Con Gaming Convention at the Indiana Convention Center
2. MON-SUN: 158th Indiana State Fair at the State Fairgrounds
3. THU-SUN: 10th Annual Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival in Indianapolis
4. SUN: 5th Annual Dig In, A Taste of Indiana at White River State Park
5. WED-SUN: LPGA Legends Championship at the French Lick Resort
6. FRI-SAT: 10th Annual SausageFest at St. Thomas Aquinas Church
7. THU-SAT: ‘City of Forking Paths’ at the Indiana Convention Center
8. SAT: Miranda Lambert in Concert at Klipsch Music Center
9. FRI-SUN: Elwood Glass Festival in Madison County
10. FRI-SAT: Madison Ribberfest BBQ and Blues in Jefferson County
11. MON-WED: Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Anderson University
12. THU-SUN: Greensburg ‘Power of the Past’ at the Decatur County Fairgrounds
13. SAT: 6th Annual WAMMfest at Craig Park in Greenwood
14. THU, SAT: Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
15. FRI-SAT: Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

To see thousands of upcoming event listings and things to do in Indianapolis and Indiana, visit our main Web site at http://aroundindy.com/, or visit our Mobile Web site on your smartphone or tablet PC at http://aroundindy.com/mobile. Thank you for making AroundIndy.com your #1 source for things to do around Indy!