The Indiana State Fair is full of traditions and memories for Hoosiers statewide, and this year Fair organizers are adding additional exciting features to enjoy. With a new interactive animal exhibit, a new roller coaster and circus entertainers.
Fairgoers will get the chance to try out a new roller coaster, the BulletTrain. This thrilling ride climbs 33-feet high before launching riders into sharp turns and banking curves with fast transitions and drops.
“North American Midway Entertainment is excited to bring a new coaster to this year’s Indiana State Fair,” said Danny Huston, owner of North American Midway Entertainment. “From the very first ride we knew we had a winner on our hands.”
An Indiana State Fair ticket will also get you access to the Big Top Circus, with three free shows daily at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.
To complement the Big Top Circus, a “Celebrating Indiana’s Circus History” exhibit will offer an interactive, educational experience based around the circus. The exhibit is offered free-of-charge.
Animal Town allows fairgoers to learn about their favorite barn yard animals. Animal Town is an interactive exhibit featuring several species of animals every day of the fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., including beef and dairy cattle, chickens, goats, draft horses, llamas, rabbits, sheep and swine. This educational opportunity allows fairgoers the chance to see all of their favorite animals in one interactive setting.
Also new to the 2018 fair is an appearance by world-champion competitive food eater Joey Chestnut. Chestnut will attempt to break the record for the World’s Ice Cream Eating Championship held at the Fair on Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. At last year’s fair, the world record was broken by Miki Sudo. Chestnut currently holds the world hot dog eating record and is No. 1 in competitive eating according to Vanity Fair Magazine.
Another celebrity appearance will be made by TV host and chef Ted Allen of the Food Network TV show Chopped. Allen is an Emmy and James Beard award winner and the host four Food Network shows, including a show about the best foods called Best. Ever., a newbie competition show called All-Star Academy and Chopped.
Allen will also be this year’s keynote speaker at the Harvest Dinner, an Indiana State Fair Foundation fundraising event. The Harvest Dinner will take place on August 15 at 5 p.m. in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Harvest Dinner proceeds benefit the Celebration of Champions, which awards cash prizes to 4-H youth winners at the Indiana State Fair. Tables can be reserved at IndianaStateFairFoundation.org.
