Final week provides a place to connect with community

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The Indiana State Fair is typically a place and time of celebration. It is the culmination of a long year’s work for artists, farmers, creators, and providers; a place where the fruits of their labor are put on the display as the best examples of what the Hoosier State has to offer.

This past week was a difficult one for the entire state, as storms dumped millions of gallons of rain and hail on communities large and small. In a few cases, the storms brought tragedy. Some cities and counties will be forced to begin the long process of rebuilding homes, roads, and bridges.

And yet, Indiana still has its fair. It still has an opportunity to come together and celebrate what makes the people of this state great. The fair resumes for its final week on Aug. 18, and the organizers have a message for all Hoosiers. In a post on its Facebook account, the state fair made the following statement:

As we come to the end of our middle weekend, we want to pause and reflect for a moment. This has been a hard week for Indiana.

Indiana is facing real hardship, and for many Hoosiers, that hardship is far from over. But times like this have a way of reminding us what really matters.

Family. Friendship. Tradition. And feeling connected to the place we call home. These are the things at the heart of the Indiana State Fair. And every day here, you can see them all around us.

Throughout the grounds. Along the midway. Inside the show ring.

For almost 170 years, the Fair has been a place where Hoosiers come together. And sometimes, especially when life feels heavy, being together is what matters most.

To everyone across Indiana affected by the recent storms and flooding, our hearts are with you and we will continue to help and support however we can. We want you to know, this is YOUR Fair.

And whenever you’re able, there will be a place here for you to gather, to smile, to reconnect, and to keep making memories with the people you love.

To our first responders and military members who continue to keep us all safe during these difficult times, THANK YOU. As a small gesture of our gratitude, we’re inviting you and your families to take a day, to step away, make memories and enjoy the Indiana State Fair on us.

Starting this Wednesday, August 19th, the Indiana State Fair will offer free admission to all First responders, current and former Military, and their families through the remainder of the Fair (Sunday, August 23rd).

Nothing can stop the Hoosier spirit. And nothing can stop the Indiana State Fair. See you Tuesday for the final week.

The fair has plenty to offer those who make the trip to Indianapolis this week. Gene Simmons, Sammy Kershaw, and Don McLean will perform this week, and the fair is hosting the Big Top Circus with multiple performances daily.

For those who might consider themselves veterans of the fair, there is a new attraction – the Indiana State Fair Train – which they might jump aboard for a trip around the Meijer Family Fun Park. There is also the “Rewind: VHS Revival” exhibit, which pays tribute to the decades when video rentals were at the center of family life. There is plenty of nostalgic movie poster artwork on display to bring back fond memories.

And then there are the many livestock competitions. Goats, draft horses, poultry, and swine all go up for judging this week. There is a dog show on Saturday, Aug. 22, as well.

The exhibition hall is also a place fairgoers should visit. Aside from the welcome air conditioning, there are countless displays of needlework, painting, baking, sculpting, and other artistic creations. And there just might be a few submissions from Howard County in the mix.

The Indiana State Fair runs daily from Aug. 18-23, opening at 8 a.m. Admission to the fair on Tue., Aug. 18, is just $2, and there are free tickets in the Aug. 17 edition of the Indianapolis Star, good for admission on Wed., Aug. 19. Members of AAA get in free on Thu., Aug. 20, and first responders, military, and their families get free admission throughout the week.

Regular admission to the Indiana State Fair is $19, and parking is $10. Tickets are available at www.indianastatefair.com.

See additional photos from the Indiana State Fair on the Lantern’s Facebook page.