Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v06n16)
Buzzing Around Town - by Nora Spitznogle
posted: Aug. 07, 2009

Previews:
Indiana State Fair
August 7 - 23, 2009
Indiana State Fairgrounds
As you long time readers know, I'm a State Fair junkie. Some of my favorite childhood memories revolve around the State Fair. I still can't believe that I'm lucky enough to live close enough to walk to the Fair. I enter projects in the open-class in the Home and Family Arts Building. I thought you might enjoy some State Fair history and fun facts.
- The first Indiana State Fair in 1852 had an entrance fee of 20 cents and had 30,000 visitors over three days.
- In 1916, a 2,000-foot high-speed roller coaster was erected at the Fair.
- In the 1930s, State Fair officials allowed people to bring items such as a bag of grain in exchange for a ticket.
- Beer was sold at the State Fair from 1933 to 1947.
- Approximately 70,000 feet of ribbon is used in State Fair awards. . . enough to circle the 1-mile Track of Champions more than 13 times.
- The West Pavilion (Cattle Barn) is the one of the largest of its kind in the world. There are approximately 4.5 acres under its roof.
I love a theme and no one does it better than the Indiana State Fair. 2009 is the Year of Tomatoes. There are hundreds of tomatoes planted all over the Fairgrounds. The gazebo is decorated as a giant tomato patch. This is also a good time to ketchup on your tomato knowledge. Did you know that Indiana ranks second in production of tomatoes used for processing in the country? 294,000 tons of processed tomatoes and 255,000 hundredweight (that's 112 pounds per hundredweight for us non-commodities folks) of fresh tomatoes were harvested last year.
There will be several tomato-y events. In the Ag/Hort building check out the giant structures that will be constructed with cans of food (to be donated to Gleaners food bank). Build day is August 7, winners announced on August 8. Have you grown a tomato over 5 pounds? Enter it on August 8 by 10:00 am in the Ag/Hort building for the largest tomato contest. Red Gold is sponsoring a salsa contest on August 20 and The Jazz Kitchen is sponsoring a Salsa dance contest on August 9, 2009.
Please check the Indiana State Fair Web site for specific contest details.
Remember all of the cool retro candy that Wendy Reed used to stock at Artzy Phartzy? Wendy did the purchasing this year for the Hook's Soda Shop (State Fair Boulevard - southwest corner of the Fairgrounds). She has stocked the shelves with Whirlipops larger than your head and other nostalgic candy--wax lips, Necco wafers, Valomilk and more.
Entertainment has been a staple in the Grandstand since the State Fair moved to the current location in 1892. Here are the Grandstand highlights for this year. Check www.indianastatefair.com or call the State Fair box office at 317-927-7901 for ticket prices and details.
Band Day Competition - Friday, August 7, 2009
The Band Day competition started in 1947. Last year's champions, Muncie Southside High School will be defending their title.
Tractor Pulls - August 8 and 9, 2009
For the first time in nearly two decades, tractor pulls are returning to the State Fair. Drivers will compete in six different classes during three different pulls in the Grandstand.
Demi Lovato - August 10, 2009
Demi Lovato has come a long way since her days on "Barney & Friends" when she was just 10 years old. She starred in the Disney Channel original movie "Camp Rock" and now has her own TV series "Sonny with a Chance." Her debut album Don't Forget was released last September with her Top 10 Radio Disney hit, "La La Land." Sounds like a good time to take your niece to a concert.
Sandi Patty's Broadway with the Indpls Symphony Orch.
August 11
Anderson's Sandi Patty is the most award-winning female artist in Christian music history. Her show will feature Broadway numbers along with songs from her 30th recording Songs for the Journey. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will be supporting Sandi.
MercyMe with Jeremy Camp - August 12, 2009
The band MercyMe is a regular on the Top 40, Adult Contemporary and Christian charts.
Indiana MusicFest with Jon McLaughlin, The Why Store and The Elms - August 13, 2009
I'm really looking forward to this free show of Indiana musicians. Jon McLaughlin has recently released his second album OK NOW to follow-up his highly successful debut album Indiana. The Elms just released a highly anticipated new album. The Why Store, with frontman Chris Shaffer, is still going strong after 15 years and five albums.
Kelly Clarkson - August 14, 2009
The winner of the original "American Idol" show made Billboard magazine history for the largest leap to No. 1 by going from No. 97.
Keith Urban - August 15, 2009
Keith Urban has recorded seven No. 1 songs and another seven Top 5 country hits. I wonder if he'll be traveling with his wife Nicole Kidman?
Journey and Heart - August 16, 2009
The two iconic bands will share the bill. The grandstand is sure to be loaded with folks who were fans the first time around and youngsters just discovering them. Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" is the top selling track in iTunes history.
Jason Mraz with G.Love & Special Sauce and K'Naan - August 18, 2009
Known for his fun, folksy style, Jason Mraz always puts on a good show.
Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Larry Gatlin - August 19, 2009
The Oak Ridge Boys are returning to their gospel roots after decades of turning out country hits.
Demolition Derby & Fireworks - August 23, 2009
An old-fashioned, "drive it 'til it dies" demolition derby returns to the fairgrounds. The free show will end with fireworks.
The big name acts play the Grandstand, but there is a giant turkey leg's worth of free music throughout the Fairgrounds. The Main Street stage next to the Grandstand features everything from bluegrass to the Blue Monkey Side Show. FYI, your dad will be extra-horrified that the guy who lifts things with his nipples knows your name. The Celebrations Park stage near the 4-H buildings leans to the country and world music side of the spectrum.
I love the old-timey music on the stage in the Pioneer Village building. You'll find lots of familiar folks playing there, including Cara Jean Wahlers and LuAnn Lancton. There are some changes in Pioneer Village this year. The Antique Tractor Barn is no longer a tractor barn. It was converted into an Opry House, and will be the home of several new and different activities in addition to the ever popular Farm Toy Show and Old Time Auction. Some of the new activities planned include a tribute to the WLS National Barn Dance, the Traditional Arts Indiana State Fair Fiddle Contest, and a Liar's Contest.
WLS National Barn Dance - Possum Holler Opera House
Pioneer Village - August 15, 2009, 8 pm.
Several of my friends have been working on this great show and I've seen some intriguing photos of rehearsal. Remember Red Foley, Lulubelle and Scotty? Do you miss hearing the Hoosier Hotshots or Patsy Montana? The WLS National Barn Dance is your chance to rekindle the memories.
Reviews:
Charlie Ballantine - Thursday evenings
Zest
1134 E 54th St
The musical apple did not fall far from the tree. Charlie Ballantine is the very talented son of guitar hero, Scott Ballantine. Charlie will play every Thursday evening until he starts back at the IU School of Music. You need to go see him now, so you can tell your friends in a few years, "I saw Charlie Ballantine play at a little café on the Monon Trail. I knew he was going to make it big." I've enjoyed a couple of Thursday evenings sitting on the patio, enjoying a delicious Zest salad and listening to Charlie play. Good stuff.
Charlie Ballantine
image courtesy of Nora Spitznogle
Not-for-profit director by day, music writer by night, Nora Spitznogle reviews music that happened and previews music and events around Broad Ripple Village. Nora managed CATH Inc coffeehouse at 54th Street and College Avenue for seven years. During that time she hosted hundreds of local and touring musicians, both at the coffeehouse and her home. When CATH closed in 2004 and the music was no longer coming to her, she had to wander from her corner of Broad Ripple to see what is happening elsewhere. You can find her at Second Helpings during the work day, waitressing at the Red Key on Saturday nights and prowling Broad Ripple music venues the rest of the time. Visit Nora's Web site
nora-leona.blogspot.com, send any questions, comments or suggestions to
Nora@BroadRippleGazette.com
nora@broadripplegazette.com