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Indiana Flower & Patio Show, Mar. 11-19, 2017
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 Marketplace Events
WHAT: Now in its 59th year, the Indiana Flower + Patio Show is a place where people visit to become inspired, informed and energized with helpful advice, thousands of solutions and the coolest new products. The show features more than 40 Showcase Gardens crafted by many of Indiana’s premier landscapers, hundreds of finer outdoor living experts, and thousands of ideas to take home!
The Indiana Flower + Patio Show is produced by Marketplace Events, which produces 46 shows annually in 23 markets, including: 33 home shows in the U.S.; 14 home shows in Canada; and four holiday shows. The 51 events collectively attract 14,000 exhibitors, 1.5 million attendees and another 2 million unique web visitors annually.
WHEN: 9 days: Saturday, March 11 through Sunday, March 19, 2017
WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana – West Pavilion and Exposition Hall
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Dig in to More Gardens — More Than an Acre!
This year’s Flower + Patio Show offers bigger, more extravagant Showcase Gardens that will wow when you walk down the aisles.
Looking for something more practical and affordable? The Show’s Feature Gardens will be scattered throughout the West Pavilion and Expo Hall, mid-sized gardens blending upscale and budget-friendly options to display a range of capabilities from the landscapers. There will also be a great showcase of gardens for all backyards on a budget.
Throughout West Pavilion and Expo Hall are more than 50,000 square feet of greenery — that’s almost the size of a football field!
Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
Get a glimpse of a marriage of elegant outdoor living with the natural environment. All the gardens at the Flower + Patio Show will include one or more items that are old, new, borrowed or blue. It might be an antique or a new plant, a borrowed artifact or new trendy blue color.
And this theme for the show also reflects the time-honored tradition of having “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” to give a bride good luck on her wedding day.
McNamara Florist features a wedding garden installation in the center of West Pavilion. This wedding-themed garden is the perfect place to get married, surrounded by gorgeous greens and the most beautiful tablescape and decorations.
A Growing New Feature: The Plant Market
It’s an exciting new addition to the Indiana Flower + Patio Show — the Plant Market! This new feature offers Flower + Patio Show visitors a first look at the buds of spring. Take home herbs, succulents, 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 just inside the north entrance of West Pavilion!
HGTV’s Chris Lambton Transforms Your Yard
Chris is host of DIY Networks “Yard Crashers” and appears with wife Peyton on HGTV’s “Going Yard,” where they transform backyards, one house at a time. The show highlights Chris’s landscaping skills and gardening know-how as he creates outdoor living spaces and features including patios, pergolas, fire pits and water features for deserving homeowners.
Chris appears at the Flower + Patio Show Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19, offering attendees expert advice that includes landscaping, hardscaping, garden planning, lawn care and maintenance for all the areas of your outdoor living space.
Meet HGTV’s The House Counselor, Laurie March
As the host and creative force behind The House Counselor on HGTVRemodels.com, Laurie March guides her clients through the potential minefield that a remodeling project can become. Also the design coordinator for DIY Network’s Blog Cabin, Laurie shares her knowledge and passion for remodeling, decorating, gardening, cooking and crafting.
Laurie appears at the Flower + Patio Show Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12, sharing with attendees her approach to project managing and remodeling, which focuses on both the emotional and tactical aspects of a design project.
Master Your Home Garden Dream with Carrie Petty
Carrie Petty is a fourth-generation Hoosier, Master Gardener and a garden and lifestyle blogger. It is her passion to show people how to “Grow a Beautiful Life.” After 20 years as an award-winning custom homebuilder, Carrie now does what she loves best — playing in the dirt! Carrie appears at the Flower + Patio Show with tips on mastering your garden dream and how gardening and dirty hands equal a beautiful life. “A green thumb is a good life!”
Take Your Blooms To Go
The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is managing the fresh-cut flowers-to-go portion of the show, which is the flagship of the Plant Market. Show visitors get the chance to take home the scents, colors and textures of the season. The large, colorful retail display offers fabulous bouquets of healthy, hardy blossoms that can be purchased to take home at great prices!
AIFD will bring Show attendees the freshest flowers possible, sourced from around the world. Be sure to stop in for the best buys in fresh-cut flowers.
AIFD designers also will be onsite daily to help with flower selection, commentating on floral design, hosting hands-on workshops and answering any questions you have about caring for your fresh flowers.
Get in On the Hands-On Fun!
Check out the Flower + Patio Show workshops for some hands-on fun! Not only can you listen and learn, but you can participate. Create gardens of all types and sizes, build your dream bridal bouquet, design a unique signature bracelet and much more during these brand-new workshops.
All workshops will take place in Expo Hall near the Outdoor Living Stage at the west end of the building.
Think Spring with Outdoor Living Experts
The Outdoor Living Stage hosts the area’s most accomplished outdoor living experts, offering advice to dig your hands and mind into. Take a break from marveling at the exhibits, including the spectacular Showcase Gardens, and visit the Outdoor Living Stage!
The Belgard Challenge
The Belgard Challenge, one of the Indiana Flower + Patio Show’s most popular attractions, again pits three Central Indiana landscape designers against one another to create the most fabulous garden within a price range of $25,000 installed.
Showgoers love the Belgard Challenge because they choose the winner through onsite voting. Be sure to spend time inspecting each garden, and vote for your favorite!
Recreation Unlimited Kids Play Zone
Want to bring the whole family to the Flower + Patio Show, but you’re not sure what the kids will enjoy? Try the Kids Play Zone! Featuring equipment from Recreation Unlimited, this area is designed to let the kids play and give you a chance to try before you buy. Backyard playsets, basketball goals, trampolines and more will be on display and ready for your kids to explore.
Expo Hall Shines in the Dark
More than 12,000 square feet of gardens “in the dark” use only landscape, theatrical and multi-purpose lighting. This never-before-seen feature is headlined by Vive Exterior Design, Fiano Landscapes and Country Gardens. And joining them is Cool Ponds. Always a crowd favorite, Expo Hall in the Dark promises a stunning waterscape design.
Packed full of gardens and features, Expo Hall will be just as beautiful and full of must-see features as West Pavilion.
Blooming Sale!
Spot something in an Indiana Flower + Patio Show garden you can’t live without? Almost all plant materials, hardscapes, structures and decorative pieces used to create the magnificent gardens at this year’s event are available at our annual Blooming Sale!
When you see something for your own at-home landscape, talk with the onsite representatives of the garden where it’s displayed, and they will reserve the item for you. Then on the final Sunday of the show, you can pick up your new treasure!
Plus:
Noble Evening in the Garden: Where Dreams Blossom
This preview gala to the Indiana Flower + Patio Show began in 1997. It takes place on Friday, March 10, 2017, featuring house favorites from Indianapolis’s top restaurants, live entertainment, silent and live auctions and more. Don’t miss this exciting preview, set among the fabulous Showcase Gardens, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The 21st Annual Noble Evening in the Garden is presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis and hosted by the Noble Auxiliary, with all proceeds from the event benefitting Noble of Indiana.
Hero Day – Tuesday, March 14
Pay honor and tribute to all our heroes on Hero Day, Tuesday, March 14! 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 Flower + Patio Show for the day!
TICKETS: $14 – Adult FREE – Children 12 and under
SHOW TIMES:
Saturdays 3/11, 3/18 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sundays 3/12, 3/19 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday 3/13 – 3/15 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday-Friday 3/16-3/17 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
ONLINE DISCOUNT: Check out the Indiana Flower + Patio Show website at http://www.IndianaFlowerandPatioShow.com and get $2 off admission — good every day! Make sure to go online and save!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 317.705.8719 OR VISIT THE INDIANA FLOWER + PATIO SHOW WEBSITE AT http://IndianaFlowerandPatioShow.com/.
Indianapolis Home Show, Jan. 20-29, 2017 @HomeShowIND
The West Pavilion (pictured), South Pavilion, and Exposition Hall at the State Fairgrounds will house the 95th Indianapolis Home Show, Jan. 20-29, 2017. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2011, all rights reserved.
By Tiffany Whisner
On behalf of the Indianapolis Home Show
THE 95th ANNUAL INDIANAPOLIS HOME SHOW FACT SHEET
WHAT: The Indianapolis Home Show is the nation’s oldest and the Midwest’s largest home-focused extravaganza with more than 900 exhibit spaces. Now in its 95th year, the Home Show offers thousands of products, decorating, construction and remodeling ideas for visitors to gather and compare.
The Indianapolis Home Show is produced by Marketplace Events, which produces 46 shows annually in 23 markets, including: 33 home shows in the U.S.; 14 home shows in Canada; and four holiday shows. The 51 events collectively attract 14,000 exhibitors, 1.5 million attendees and another 2 million unique web visitors annually.
WHEN: 10 days: Friday, January 20 through Sunday, January 29, 2017
WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds – West Pavilion, Exposition Hall, South Pavilion
SPECIAL FEATURES:
All Three Buildings!
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!
Centerpiece Home
Fischer Homes will build this year’s Centerpiece Home — a fully-constructed, decorated and landscaped home built entirely inside Expo Hall, showing the most current and exciting trends in architecture and style.
Fischer Homes showcases its Rookwood design with a Coastal Acadian elevation, the first time featuring a ranch design — and the largest home ever built at the Indianapolis Home Show!
Interior designer Joy Perkins from Touch of Class works with Christine Robbins of the Fischer Homes team in decorating the Centerpiece Home to showcase a variety of options for customizing the home interior. To bring a feeling of relaxed elegance to the Centerpiece Home, look for a nautical theme with plenty of soothing colors, shiplap patterns and natural woods.
Landscaping for the Centerpiece Home, featuring a wooden pergola and fireplace with a water feature, comes courtesy of Calvin Landscape in Indianapolis.
Fischer Homes and Touch of Class
The builders and designers of the Centerpiece Home reveal an inside look into the making of the home and will appear at the Home Show onSaturday, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28.
Love Hilary or … Love Her
Hilary Farr is an internationally-renowned designer and co-host of “Love It or List It” on HGTV. The show, a fan favorite, is a reality series about homeowners who must decide how far they will go for their dream home.Hilary will bring her witty banter and design trademarks of timeless glamour and functionality to the Home Show on Saturday, January 28.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Kevin O’Connor is the host of the award-winning, PBS home renovation series “This Old House” and “Ask This Old House.” He has also hosted shows for the DIY network and The History Channel’s “H2.” In September 2011, Kevin published his first book, “The Best Homes of This Old House.” What’s the secret to that home improvement or remodeling project you’ve been working on? Kevin has the answer! Get the new ways to improve your old house when Kevin appears on Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21!
Hate Your Yard? Talk to Sara Bendrick
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 Home Show attendees realize the opportunity of their exterior spaces when she appears on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Gardens and Greenery Grow Center Stage
Home Show, Home Show, how do your gardens grow? Gardens and greenery will grow center stage in the middle of West Pavilion and throughout the entire space for the 2017 Home Show.
Designed and constructed by the area’s top landscape professionals, the feature gardens highlight ways to incorporate your greenery with water features, furniture and more to create eye-catching outdoor living spaces.
As the official florist of the Indianapolis Home Show, McNamara Florist welcomes Home Show attendees with new entryways in all three Home Show buildings, combining home improvement materials with dramatic, colorful hints of spring!
Big Style Comes in a Tiny Home
With minimal space, tiny homes are maximizing style and function. The tiny house movement has been growing in popularity over the last decade, and the Indianapolis Home Show brings one of these tiny treasures to you. Come to the West Pavilion and see a downsized home that is still full of life!
Designer Room Showcase: Local Designers’ Special Spaces
Four local designers bring their inventive and imaginative ideas to the forefront in the Designer Room Showcase. Each designer shows off a unique look for different rooms throughout the home. Come to the South Pavilion, right across from the Unilock Outdoor Living Stage, for a look at their looks!
Spruce Up Your Space with Designer Liz Henderson
Liz has been featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters,” shared room updates on “Where Are They Now,” and renovated her basement on DIY Network’s “Renovation Realities.” With a passion for decorating and a love for people, Liz enjoys helping others redecorate their homes in the Midwest. She appears at the Home Show on Sunday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 28.
“Sincerely, Sara D.” DIY Blogger Sara Davis – Created to Create
Sophisticated traditional with a twist of fun, Sara enjoys giving outdated or worn furniture a new chance at life and has a love affair with chalkboards. After working as an art director at a greeting card company, Sara’s home walls soon became her creative outlet — that and blogging. Sara will give Home Show attendees the knowledge they need to create a pretty space without a lot of money. She will be at the Home Show on Thursday, Jan. 26 and Friday, Jan. 27.
She’s Got Unexpected Elegance – DIYer Angela Lerew
Angela Lerew is a home decor and DIY blogger who loves to create welcoming and inspiring spaces. She has been featured on “Elle Décor,” “Apartment Therapy,” “Good Housekeeping” and HGTV.com. She shares do-it-yourself tutorials and simple ideas to transform your home at the Home Show on Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 26.
Junkey Monkeys at Salvage Sisters Teach Re-tiquing Your Treasures
Junkey Monkeys Dianne and Lisa highlight their antiques and vintage look at Salvage Sisters’ Antique Shop. They work to reuse, re-tique and refurbish vintage treasures for your home. See them at the Home Show on Saturday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22, and learn how to give new life to your old furniture, art and other collectibles.
Family Feeding Tips with Basilmomma’s Heather Tallman
Heather Tallman, also known as Basilmomma, is an Indianapolis-based food personality and family meal advocate, food writer, blogger, newspaper columnist and freelance writer. In addition to recipe development and creating food and family travel-based content for her website, Tallman appears locally on Indianapolis TV and radio stations, sharing the message of family meals and quick-and-easy recipes. She will be at the Home Show on Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday, Jan. 29.
The Hoosier Gardener Digs into Natural Gardening
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp has been writing and speaking about natural gardening for more than 25 years. She is a contributor to “Indiana Gardening” and “Edible Indy” magazines and has been writing a weekly gardening column for “The Indianapolis Star” since 1989. She is a garden coach and has a container planting business for both residential and commercial locations. Jo Ellen will show Home Show attendees how to put their green thumbs to work when she appears on Monday, Jan. 23 and Friday, Jan. 27.
Her Highness, the Queen of Free
She’s addicted to getting something for nothing — and 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, Jan. 29!
Get the ABCs of Veggies from Carol Michel
Carol Michel is a lifelong gardener and Indiana resident who claims to have the largest hoe collection in the world! On her award-winning blog, Carol features topics from vegetable gardening to the wisdom of old gardening books. She will share her growing thoughts when she appears at the Home Show on Monday, Jan. 23 and Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Brighton Village Features Custom-Built Garden Sheds
Uniquely-designed for the Indianapolis Home Show, Brighton Developments, LLC, creates Brighton Village, which includes custom-built garden sheds that are the perfect mix of function and beauty. In addition, Brighton Village showcases a central pond, fountains and a variety of spruce trees with a new camp scene that brings the outdoors to life. Come see this special feature in the South Pavilion!
Planning to Remodel? Trendy Tips for Your Space
Dave Megge is the national kitchen/bath and flooring director for Carter Lumber and a leader in the design industry. A guest host on “Remodel it Right” and “Hire it Done” radio programs, he offers Home Show attendees tips for remodeling and space planning along with current and upcoming design trends. He appears at the Home Show on Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21.
Plus:
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 different 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!
Hero Day – Opening Day
Pay honor and tribute to all our heroes on Hero Day, Friday, Jan. 20! 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!
Marsh Day Monday – Jan. 23
Show visitors are invited to stop by the Marsh area from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Marsh Day. The first 750 households to visit will receive a free reusable Marsh grocery bag, one per household, while supplies last. Marsh focuses on nutrition with several in-store programs helping customers make more nutritious choices and learn about healthy recipes, shopping strategies and meal plans that fit customers’ lifestyles and make eating healthy easier.
Sip in Style at the Wine Garden
This year’s Wine Garden is more than a product showcase. It’s an experience — a mental trip to another country for some relaxation during the Home Show.
Unilock Craft Beer Corner in South Pavilion!
There’s beer, too! Taste a variety of craft beers and domestics in the South Pavilion’s Unilock Craft Beer Corner, open for the entire 10-day Home Show. Along with greenery and water features, the Unilock Craft Beer Corner invites in Home Show attendees to enjoy a beer in the midst of the lush scenery.
TICKETS: $14 – Adult $3 – Children ages 6-12 FREE – Children 5 and under
SHOW TIMES:
Fridays 1/20, 1/27 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturdays 1/21, 1/28 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sundays 1/22, 1/29 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 1/23 – 1/26 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
MARSH DISCOUNT: Stop by any participating central Indiana Marsh Supermarket, and get your Home Show tickets at $2 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!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 317.705.8719 OR VISIT THE INDIANAPOLIS HOME SHOW WEBSITE AT www.IndianapolisHomeShow.com.
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 58th 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.
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