Indiana State Fair Confessions

I got a totally delightstruck preview of the 2018 Indiana State Fair last night on Fair Eve courtesy of the Indiana Soybean Alliance. There's a certain magic being at the State Fair grounds on the eve of the fair. It was wonderful, but I learned that I've never REALLY done the fair. Yes, I've dabbled over the years, but I've never fully immersed myself in all of it's wonderful offerings. So... this Indy chick has a few State Fair confessions for you. Plus my top picks for must-dos this year, so you're not a dabbler like me.

My Indy State Fair Confessions

1. I hate hotness. I'm an A/C kind of girl. August is hot, peeps. At most, we are usually at the fair for an hour or two at a time each year. We've never spent a whole day there. After last night's behind the scenes golf cart tour, I might just be saying let the sweat roll and spending more time strolling and exploring this year. There is so much to love!
2. I had never done The Glass Barn photo booth, until last night. It's at the very back of The Glass Barn. In my rush to see and do and get the heck out of the hotness each year, we had missed it. This one is a bit crazy, because, peeps, The Glass Barn has A/C. Duh. I should just spend all my time there and send Coach Man for the corn dog. 
3. I had never experienced Little Hands on the Farm at the Indy State Fair. What the heck? My kids are too old for it now, but they would have loved it! It's tucked in a back corner just past the Pioneer Village and as the road curves to the where the horse barns are located. Look for it on a map and take your littles. 
4. I had never stepped in cow poop. Well, until last night, and peeps, as the saying goes, sh** happens. It washed off, and I'm no worse for the wear. 
5. I love the fair shuttle and could ride it in circles around the fair for hours. Best people watching around and you can scope out all the yummy food options before you decide on your top pick. I'll wave to you, as I make my annual loop. 
6. Deep fried fair food makes my belly hurt and gives me the toots. Yep, I said toots. But people, I love it and indulge in some anyway. What's that 80/20 rule? I totally believe in it. I'll list this year's must try fair food options in my top picks below. Here's a yummy pic to hold you over. Indy with Kids is the lovely hand model. 

This Mama's Top 2018 State Fair Must-Dos

The Greatest 17 days of summer are upon us, peeps, and you don't want to miss any of it. Step right up and give my top picks a whirl August 3-19, 2018.

1. Visit The Glass Barn. This is my absolute favorite place at the State Fair. I love the educational facets. I love the featured farmers and the daily live real farm chats at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. I love the hands-on activities. I love that you can play "bean-go" and win prizes. You can even win prizes during the live farm chats too! This year has two new featured farmers. The Dulls from Boone County and the Feutz from Gibson County. The Dulls raise Christmas trees, and the Feutz raise beef cattle. Oh, and make sure to go to the way back for the fun photo. 
2. Little Hands on the Farm is an interactive mock farm. Your littles can engage in the agricultural process as a “farmer." They “harvest” products, receive “money” for their work and “buy food” at the grocery store. Target age range is 2-10 years old. Cutest little area with stroller parking and the lactation station is right next to this area.
3. A Big Top Circus! This year's fair admission includes a one hour Big Top show showcasing a variety of world-famous performers, including Bello Nock, the International Circus Superstar. There are three shows daily at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. and every seat is super close to the live action. 
4. Oh the food! My top must eat at this year's Indy State Fair is the inside out grilled cheese, featuring mild cheddar on the outside and gouda on the inside. While you're at the Dairy Bar, grab this year's milkshake too - Birthday Cake! So good. I didn't have this one yet, but I'm intrigued and will be having it this week - the Dilly Dilly! A hot dog stuffed inside a pickle dipped in corn dog batter, then fried golden brown. There also is Wick’s Sugar Cream Pie dipped in funnel cake batter, deep fried and topped with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce. 
5. Indiana Grown in the Ag/Hort Building. I love local and the Indiana Grown Culinary Stage is the best for cooking demonstration featuring Indiana Grown products. There's samples too, peeps. Plus you can buy Indiana Grown products. And the cheese carving and giant veggies are in that building too. And best of all, A/C, peeps. 
6. The livestock barns. The piggies and the cows are my favorites. What are yours?
7. Oh and this year, I love this facet - Animal Town! A new interactive animal experience featuring daily chats about the animals found on the farm. Every type of animal at the fair is featured here and it's in an open air area on the main drag of the fair. Plus there are fun animal facts. Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. all 17 days. 

Want even more info on this year's Indiana State Fair? My friends at Indy with Kids have all the cool insights on deals and how to save money on fair tickets, food and more. Hop on over.

Oh, and if you see the featured farmers around the fair or in The Glass Barn, say hello...ask them questions. They're awesome! 

- Jen

#sponsored The Indiana Soybean Alliance is a valued partner of DelightStruck Jen, and we kind of love being able to share farm stories with you.