2015 Indiana State Fair

Big Red Named Champion of 2015 “World’s Largest Hog” Contest

August 8, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

He was the second hog to enter the ring, waddling his way to the gate as spectators stared at his red-tinted coat. True to his color, the boar appropriately named Big Red claimed the title of World’s Largest Male Hog on Opening Day of the Indiana State Fair. Owner Rick Whistler, along with daughter Teagan, age 4, said the name was an obvious choice. Weighing in at an astounding 1,134 pounds, Big Red was quite the sight to see.

The Champion beat out five other hogs for the title. The Whistlers have owned Big Red for five years, and this year’s Indiana State Fair World’s Largest Hog contest was his first competition. The Whistler’s prepared him well with their daily routines.

“We feed him about 20 to 25 pounds a day,” said Whistler.

Big Red is just over 100 pounds larger than the 2014 winner, Spotosaurus Rex, who weighed 1,007 pounds.

The Reserve Champion weighed in at 1,033 pounds while Junior, the third place finisher, weighed in at 1,023 pounds.

Be sure to check out Big Red in the Swine Barn where he will be featured along with the Champion Sow and Litter.

SOURCE: Indiana State Fair Commission

2015 Indiana State Fair Day #2 – Band Day Schedule

August 8, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Saturday, August 8, 2015

It’s Music For All Indiana State Fair Band Day presented by Music Travel Consultants!

9 AM	Band Day-Preliminaries	Join us in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand to cheer on your favorite High School Marching Band during the 69^th Music for All Indiana State Fair Band Day pres. by Music Travel Consultants. Preliminaries: $6 for adults, $2 for children.
9 AM – 8 PM	Little Hands on the Farm	The Family Fun Park is packed with live shows, animals, and hands-on fun that everyone will enjoy, which includes the famed Little Hands on the Farm presented by CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan.
ALL DAY	The Indiana State Fair LEGO® Farm	Make your way through the Visit Indiana Harvest Pavilion. In the Visit Indiana Harvest Pavilion you’ll see the Amazing Maize, a 3,000-square-foot exhibit, and the custom built LEGO® Farm located in this building.
10 AM	Vintage Farm Machinery in Action	Begin your day at the Indiana State Fair in Pioneer Village and explore the history of farming and agriculture in Indiana. Don’t miss the Vintage Farm Machinery in Action show each day.
10 AM	Shoup’s BBQ Contest	Home and Family Arts Main Stage
10:15AM	American Dairy Assoc. Indiana Inc. Kids’ Create-a-Dairy-Smoothie contest	Calling all kids and teens—get creative in the kitchen. Choose your ingredients, write your recipe and let the judging begin. Free contest in the Purdue Extension Ag/Hort Building.
NOON	Youth Talent Contest	Join talent from all over Indiana for the 35^th Annual Youth Talent Contest Aug 7, 8, 9, and 16. Today watch Sr. Vocal and Instrumental Solo and Group performances.
NOON	Indiana State Fair Young Hoosier State Piano Competition pres. by Piano Solutions	This event invites young pianists from around the state to perform and compete in a unique musical setting. The Young Hoosier State Piano Competition is open to ALL pianists ages 5 to 22 who are residents of Indiana. The Competition accepts and encourages ALL levels of piano performance and ALL styles of piano music in the Home & Family Arts Performing Arts Floor
ALL DAY12PM-9PM	Indiana Beer & Wine Exhibition	If you’re over 21, the Indiana Beer and Wine Exhibition is a showcase of Indiana agriculture through its growing craft beer and wine industries. Stop by Grand Hall, located on Main Street for tastings!
1:30-3PM Jr. Division, / 4-5:30PM Sr. Division,	Vocal Throwdown preliminaries	The 2015 Indiana State Fair Vocal Throwdown Competition is a vocal talent contest for non-professionals. Auditions are posted online and those acts that made it to the preliminaries perform on the Subaru Main Street Stage.
7:30 PM	Morris Day & The Time	Listen to the timeless sounds of Morris Day & The Time on the Free Stage located in Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park
7:30PM	4-H Horse & Pony Color Guard Team Competition	Indiana Farmers Coliseum
8 PM	Band Day- FINALS	Don’t miss the band day showdown for the title in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand. Finals: $10 for adults, $4 for children

Feature Farmer

Who: Paul, Diane, and Jeremy Russell
Where: Russell Sheep Company, LLC – Eaton, IN (Delaware County)
Type: Sheep
Day: Saturday, August 8
Fun Fact: Paul Russell knew he wanted to be a farmer at the age of 6, he is a sixth-generation farmer and his son, Jeremy, is a seventh-generation Russell farmer!

2015 Indiana State Fair Day #1 – Opening Day Schedule

August 7, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Friday, August 7, 2015 – Opening Day

College ID Day – For the first time ever, admission to the Fair will be free to college students when they show their active college student ID. College day is the first of eight other discount days.

6:15 AM	The Giant Hot Air Balloon Launch	Join us for this annual event, free with paid Fair admission, in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand at sunrise on opening day.
8:30 AM	Opening Ceremonies	Dignitaries and creative contest winners will join Indiana State Fair leadership to kick off the 2015 Indiana State Fair Year of the Farmer presented by Dow AgroSciences in the NEW Plaza in front of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
10AM & 2PM	Calgary Stampede Show Band	Following the hot air balloon launch, the Calgary Stampede Show Band will perform two FREE shows in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.
11AM	Ribbon Cutting for Habitat for Humanity Ag Home Builds	This Indiana State Fair tradition has continued to grow so this year the team is tackling two homes for two families. Don’t miss this exciting tradition on the north side of the Fairgrounds.
Noon- 11 PM	Ride Survival in the Midway	For just $20 get unlimited rides in the Midway now through August 9.
3 PM	Gold Medal Flour Cookie Contest	Home & Family Arts Culinary Stage
3 PM 5 PM 7 PM	Xpogo Stunt Team	Xpogo Stunt Team athletes create crowds in an instant and keep them engaged until the final bounce. They perform three shows daily in the Family Fun Park.
1 PM 3:30 PM 6 PM	The Stars of the Peking Acrobats	Hailing from People’s Republic of China, The Peking Acrobats tour the world and will perform three shows daily in Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park.
7:30 PM	Indigo Girls	Together Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have written, arranged, recorded and performed music for over 25 years. The Indigo Girls will perform a free concert on the Free Stage in the Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park.
8 PM	World’s Largest Male Hog Contest Champion Sow and Litter Contest	A fair fan favorite for all ages, stop by the Swine Barn and introduce yourself to this year’s winners.
9 PM	Light Up the Night pres. by Reynolds Farm Equipment	To kick off Opening Night of the Indiana State Fair for the first time fairgoers can enjoy Light Up the Night pres. by Reynolds Farm Equipment, an illuminated tractor parade in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand with the featured Farmer, Valerie Duttlinger and the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow.

Featured Farmer

Who: Valerie Duttlinger
Where: Gentryville, IN (Spencer County)
Type: Swine Farmer, 700 sow – plus corn, soybean, wheat
Day: Friday, August 7
Fun Fact: Valerie travels to China to help producers, as their operation sells animals to pork producers in other countries like China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

2015 Indiana State Fair Free Stage

August 6, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

August 7: Indigo Girls at 7:30 p.m.
August 8: Morris Day & The Time at 7:30 p.m.
August 9: Hispanic/Latino Music Festival presented by Honda featuring Los Caminantes de Humberto Navarro from 12p.m – 8p.m.
August 10: Rodney Atkins presented by WFMS at 7:30 p.m.
August 11: Frankie Ballard at 7:30 p.m.
August 12: Happy Together Tour with The Turtles; The Association; Mark Lindsay; The Grass Roots; The Buckinghams and The Cowsills at 7:30 p.m.
August 13: Creedence Clearwater Revisited at 7:30 p.m.
August 14: Return of the Dukes: John Schneider & Tom Wopat at 7:30pm; including photo ops with the General Lee from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
August 15: Emily Kinney
August 16: Contemporary Christian Music Fest with Colton Dixon from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
August 17: Village People at 7:30 p.m.
August 18: Big & Rich presented by HANK-FM and Royal Pin Leisure Centers at 7:30 p.m.
August 19: Craig Morgan presented by HANK-FM and Royal Pin Leisure Centers at 7:30 p.m.
August 20: KC & the Sunshine Band at 7:30 p.m.
August 21: “Nashville” stars Lennon and Maisy presented by RTV6 at 6:30 p.m. and The Henningsens presented by Beck’s Hybrids to follow at approximately 8 p.m.
August 22: Rusted Root at 7:30 p.m.
August 23: Wild Cherry Pepsi Gospel Music Day with special guest Ms. LaShun Pace of the legendary Pace Sisters from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2015 Indiana State Fair Discounts & Promotions

August 6, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Friday, August 7

College ID Day: FREE admission for students currently enrolled in college with an active ID. Must present ID at the gate. One valid student ID per person.

Sunday, August 9

Elanco Day: Food and Companionship Enriching Life – Visit State Fair Boulevard to learn more.

Hispanic/Latino Music Festival presented by Honda: 12-8pm on the Indiana State Fair Free Stage

Monday, August 10

Chevrolet Military Day: Free admission for all armed forces and family members, currently active or veterans. Must present a military ID at the gate.

Indy Star Coupon: pick-up a copy of the Indy Star paper on Monday, August 10 for a FREE ticket to the Indiana State Fair valid for admission on Wednesday, August 12 only

Tuesday, August 11

Springleaf Financial $2 Tuesday: Gate admission is only $2 on Springleaf Financial $2 Tuesdays at your Indiana State Fair PLUS check out $2 menu options from all of our concessionaires! Get your voucher NOW at springleaf.com/indianastatefair!

Seniors Day: Seniors (55+) ride Indiana State Fair shuttles around the fairgrounds FREE all day!

Wednesday, August 12

Indiana Pork Day

Thursday, August 13

myBMV.com Discount Day: Gate Admission is only $6 with voucher presented at the gate from www.mybmv.com. That’s a 50% savings! Must redeem the voucher at the gate. Click Here to download your voucher today!

Friday, August 14

IndianaUnclaimed.gov Day

Saturday, August 15

Hoosier Lottery Day: All guests 18 and older can receive a FREE Hoosier Lottery ticket (limit one per person) by providing their Hoosier Lottery gate flyer entry slip from 9am – 8pm (while supplies last) in Lotto Town at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.

Monday, August 17

Meijer Family Day: Gate admission is only $20 per vehicle for up to 10 people with voucher printed voucher. Must present printed voucher at the gate. Click Here to download your voucher today!

Tuesday, August 18

Springleaf Financial $2 Tuesday: Gate admission is only $2 on Springleaf Financial $2 Tuesdays at your Indiana State Fair PLUS check out $2 menu options from all of our concessionaires! Get your voucher NOW at springleaf.com/indianastatefair!

Seniors Day: Seniors (55+) ride Indiana State Fair shuttles around the fairgrounds FREE all day!

Wednesday, August 19

Dow AgroSciences Farmer’s Day

Thursday, August 20

AAA Day: Hoosier AAA Members receive FREE gate admission when presenting their valid AAA membership card at the gate. One valid AAA card per person.

Friday, August 21

$5 Foodie Friday: Gate Admission is only $5 – no voucher needed. Concessionaires around the fairgrounds will also be offering discounted items all day!

Saturday, August 22

Truck Day

Sunday, August 23

Pepsi Wild Cherry Gospel Day: Bring any Pepsi branded can to the Indiana State Fair and receive $2 off gate admission.

Indiana State Fair Vet Camp Deadline Extended

July 23, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Many come to the Indiana State Fair to eat their favorite fried treat but there is also a vast education program during the 17-day event that affords youth of varying ages an opportunity to take a glimpse into careers, lifestyles and food production with an agricultural emphasis. Indiana State Fair Vet Camp hosted by Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will host several sessions for future veterinarians during the Fair and the deadline for pre-registration has been extended to July 31.

“This hands-on program, taught by current veterinary students, gives these students a great advantage to learning what skills it will take to succeed in this career,” said Dr. Jim Weisman, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. “The Indiana State Fair understands the importance of educating our youth in varying aspects of agriculture and animal care and we see that during the fair and all year long.”

Vet Camp is broken into two age groups, junior and senior camp. Junior Vet Camp is for grades 6-8 and Senior Vet Camp focuses on grades 9-12. This three hour experience for future veterinarians provides an opportunity to be the doctor for the day. The hands-on sessions include exploring blood under a microscope, examining x-rays and practicing surgery skills on simulated incisions. Current Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine students will lead the camp sessions and emphasize the role veterinarians play in animal welfare, human health via our food chain, general disease outbreak and new drug development.

Junior Vet Camp – Spay Neuter Exhibit

Senior Vet Camp – Spay Neuter Exhibit

August 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22

8:30 a.m. – Check In

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Camp Session

August 7, 8, 9 15, 16, 22

12:30 p.m. – Check in

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Camp Session

August 10, 12, 14, 18, 20

4:00 p.m. – Check In

4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Camp Session

August 11, 13, 17, 19, 21

4:00 p.m. – Check-in

4:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Camp Session

Pre-registration is required and available until July 31 with a small fee of $25. Registration includes Fair admission and parking.

Learn more and register today at, in.gov/statefair/barn. To purchase your advance discount ticket to the Indiana State Fair August 7-23, please visit, indianastatefair.com.

SOURCE: Indiana State Fair

The Indiana Brewer’s Cup Competition’s 17th Year Welcomes Back another Sweeping Champion

July 14, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

The 17th annual Indiana State Fair Indiana Brewers’ Cup Competition, held July 10-11, marked yet another successful year with nearly 1,300 entries, the most in competition history. This year’s professional champion Chilly Water Brewing Company of Indianapolis, swept through the competition, , as they walked away with Professional Best of Show, Indiana Brewery of the Year, and Grand Champion Brewery of the Year.

The home brew category was no hop in the park. Tim Palmer of Foam Blowers of Indiana (FBI) also won across the board, taking the titles of Home Brew Best of Show and Home Brewer of the Year. FBI was also awarded Home Brew Club of the Year and Bill Friday Home Brew Club Award.

This was a year of many firsts for the competition, marking the first time the Brewers’ Cup was open to the general public, including a tasting and awards ceremony reception. Entry was expanded to include ciders and meads, helping the event achieve the most entries in competition history, showcasing a vast variety of top home brewers and professional brewers. As one of the nation’s largest competitions, entries were received from the likes of Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, to Texas, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. This year also saw a record number of judges, just over a hundred, including a judge from Taiwan.

Last year, Upland Brewing Company of Bloomington, IN earned the same three titles in 2014 of Professional Best of Show, Indiana Brewery of the Year, and Grand Champion Brewery of the Year.

To acknowledge the achievements of the Brewers’ Cup Champion, Chilly Water Brewing Company will be featured every day at the Beer & Wine exhibit in Grand Hall during this year’s Indiana State Fair, August 7-23. For more information on other winners at this year’s Indiana Brewers’ Cup Competition, please visit indianastatefair.com.

SOURCE: Indiana State Fair

Smoked Pig Patty Named Year of the Farmer Signature Food

July 10, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

The Smoked Pig Patty from Indiana Pork Association was crowned the 2015 ‘Signature Food’ of the Indiana State Fair. Six concessionaires competed in the “Field to Farm” themed competition this year and online voters selected the winner after viewing photos of all the entries and reviewing judges’ comments.

Indiana Pork Association put a smoked twist to a Hoosier classic—a fully smoked Indiana grown quarter pound ground pork patty topped with Shoup’s Country Foods (Frankfort, IN) BBQ sauce and Scheckler’s Indiana gown dill pickles chips (St. Joe, IN). Indiana Pork Association will have three tents located around the Fairgrounds for visitors to come and try this year’s winning food.

93.9 The Beat’s judge Ms. Eklass says, “The aroma is making my mouth water! The smoked flavor really stands out and sets the sandwich off! The BBQ sauce and pickles complete this delicious pork burger. Usually with pork the saltiness is overpowering but it was perfect!”

Dave Booher of Dow AgroSciences added, “Nice smokey flavor with a hint of BBQ sauce. Like the addition of the pickle. Nice moisture in the pork. Good variation on the fair classic.”

Contestants were asked to create a new menu item using farm fresh ingredients native to Indiana. Fairgoers will still be able to taste the other participants “Field to Fair” creations all 17 days of the Fair, running August 7-23. Visitors can use their Indiana State Fair app presented by WGU Indiana to locate the other contest entries below:

Maple Walnut Waffle Sundae (Baskin Robbins)– Maple syrup from Indiana, walnuts, waffle with grains from Indiana, ice cream dairy from Indiana with vanilla, pralines and cream, butter pecan or black walnut ice creams.

Deep Fried Sweet Corn (Barto’s Concessions)– Deep fried Indiana home grown sweet corn available plain or with a Mexi-garlic lime butter.

Turkey Indiana (Gobble-Gobble)– Turkey Manhattan with sweet Indiana corn drizzled on top.

S’Mores flavored Milkshake & Muenster Grilled Cheese on Cinnamon Raisin Bread (American Dairy Association of Indiana)– Muenster cheese from Guggisberg Cheese in Middlebury, IN will be the featured cheese this year at the Dairy Bar.

Deep Fried Apple Pie Bites (Urick Concessions)– Fresh green apple slices dipped in cinnamon sugar and funnel cake batter, deep fried on a stick and served with soft-serve vanilla ice cream.

SOURCE: Indiana State Fair

Indiana Bicentennial Train moves to State Fairgrounds

July 3, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) and the Indiana State Fair Commission (ISFC) are pleased to announce that the Indiana Bicentennial Train, and IHS program funded generously by The Indiana Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Corporation, will move to the Indiana State Fairgrounds to commemorate the upcoming state Bicentennial (2016). As part of a five-year agreement to bring its on-board exhibit and additional activities to fairgoers, the Bicentennial Train will debut at its new location during the 2015 Indiana State Fair Year of the Farmer presented by DOW Agrosciences, which runs Aug. 7-23.

The Indiana Bicentennial Train is in the process of being moved to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where 200 feet of track has been laid by ISFC at its new home. It will reside on the northeast side of the fairgrounds, in the Family Fun Park.

The Bicentennial Train’s three air-conditioned box cars are used as galleries to display The Next Indiana—a look at the state’s past, present and future through the lenses of four themes (transportation, land use, talent and community). Several hundred visuals from the IHS’s rich archival collections show historical and contemporary images that will inspire visitors to ponder the state’s future—which depends on an understanding of how our past has shaped the present, and is connected to the choices we are making today.

During peak hours, fairgoers can see noted historical interpreter Kevin Stonerock playing a character especially created for the train. Guests can also enjoy a family-friendly activity tent, where they can add to giant mind maps that allow them to reflect on their own Indiana memories and see how their Hoosier neighbors envision Indiana’s future.

“We are thrilled for this chance to share the Indiana Bicentennial Train with such a large audience from around the state, while also offering an extra attraction for our fantastic Indiana State Fair,” said John A. Herbst, IHS President and CEO. “It is our hope that sharing stories from Indiana’s last 200 years will not only celebrate the Bicentennial, but will also inform decisions that will determine what kind of place Indiana will be in 25, 50 and even 100 years from now.”

Since 2013, the Bicentennial Train has visited eight communities around the state – Kokomo, New Haven, Valparaiso, and Delphi in 2013, followed by Columbus, Jasper, Terre Haute and Bargersville in 2014. By positioning it at the Indiana State Fair in 2015 and 2016, the train will continue to reach a statewide audience of Hoosiers.

“The Indiana State Fair has been a part of Hoosier lives since 1852 and like the Bicentennial Train we have been a vessel to showcase our industry’s evolution,” said Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair. “We are happy to have such a historically rich partnership with the Historical Society and know this addition to the Fairgrounds will only enhance our visitor’s experience.”

The Indiana Bicentennial Train is presented by the Indiana Historical Society, in partnership with the Indiana State Fair Commission, Indiana Humanities and the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. It is funded generously by the Indiana Rail Road Company and Norfolk Southern Corporation, with support from Kroger.

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

SOURCE: Indiana Historical Society

17 Featured Farmers Announced for Indiana State Fair “Year of the Farmer”

June 9, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

The Indiana State Fair is the greatest showcase of the past, present and future of Hoosier agriculture and the Indiana State Fair Year of the Farmer presented by Dow AgroSciences proudly dedicates your Great Indiana State Fair to the farmers who make it happen. To honor and celebrate those who have committed their lives to innovation in agriculture, each day of the 17-day Fair will highlight a different farmer/farm family who represents a different element of Indiana agriculture. These farmers, who were selected in collaboration with Indiana agriculture stakeholders, will be featured on daily highlight sheets for the Fair as well as participate in various events and exhibits all around the Fair.

“Farmers are the heroes of modern agriculture, and the people on this list are amazing role models for this essential industry,” said Rajan Gajaria, Vice President, Latin America and North America, Dow AgroSciences. “There is amazing variety in Indiana agriculture, which gives fairgoers a unique opportunity to learn more about the farmers who feed us all.”

Below are the farmers/farm families, the segment of agriculture they are representing, farm location and their featured day at the fair.

Valerie Duttlinger—Swine; Gentryville, Spencer County; Friday, August 7
Paul and Diane, Jeremy Russell—Sheep; Eaton, Delaware County; Saturday, August 8
Dale and Lisa Koester—Corn, soybean and wheat; Wadesville, Posey County; Sunday, August 9
Mike and Susan Shuter—Beef; Frankton, Madison County; Monday, August 10
Phil Overdorf—Chicken, eggs and turkey; Tipton, Tipton County; Tuesday, August 11
Jerry and Paige, Jason and Alison McClure— Apples, produce, wine; Peru, Miami County; Wednesday, August 12
Maggie Goeglein Hanna—Urban farmer, Indianapolis, Marion County, Thursday, August 13
David Lash—Corn and soybean; Mentone, Kosciusko County; Friday, August 14
Dean and Anita Stumler—Pumpkin; Fredericksburg, Washington County; Saturday, August 15
Luann Troxel—Dairy; Hanna, LaPorte County; Sunday, August 16
Karlanea and Daryl Brown—Aquaculture; Fowler, Benton County; Monday, August 17
Dan Wehr—Trees/hardwood; Jasper, Dubois County; Tuesday, August 18
Doug Morrow—Corn and soybean; Marion, Grant County; Wednesday, August 19
David, Mary, Adam, and Aaron Howell—Tomato; Middleton, Delaware County; Thursday, August 20
Larry Wappel, Sr. ,Eric and Larry Wappel, Jr.—Mint; San Pierre, Starke County; Friday, August 21
Cathy and Ashley Richards, Produce; Greenwood, Johnson County; Saturday, August 22
Ed Bell—Strawberries and fruit; Hagerstown, Wayne County; Sunday, August 23

SOURCE: Indiana State Fair Commission