The 2009 Indiana State Fair runs from August 7th through the 23rd. Elephants ears, tractor pulls, getting that queasy feeling on the Scrambler, and so much more. There are lots of ways to get there: free parking, free Park & Ride from Glendale, free Pedal & Park (you actually get $1 off Fair admission too!) on the Monon Trail at 38th Street, and if you are in Hamilton County you can ride the Fair Train.

Here are just a few of the new things this year:

• Indiana Space Travels - This exhibit, created in partnership between the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana Space Grant Consortium, celebrates the numerous and often overlooked contributions the state of Indiana has made to NASA and United States space exploration. Located in the Grand Hall.
• The Stars of the Peking Acrobats - Featuring approximately 13 acrobats from the People's Republic of China, they combine athleticism, choreography and pageantry in a beautifully orchestrated production that has entertained crowds all over the world. The acrobats will perform in the Riley Fun Park three times each weekday and four times on weekends.
• $2 Tuesday Taste of the State Fair - On Tuesday, Aug. 18, many concessionaires all over the fairgrounds will have $2 samples available all day long!
• Celebrating Indiana Communities - Located in the Toyota Expo Hall throughout the fair, this exhibit highlights various Indiana towns and cities by showcasing their local attractions, commerce, industry and culture.
• Hoosier Heritage Day - Thursday, Aug. 13, is Hoosier Heritage Day and will be marked by special events and presentations that will celebrate a variety of historical aspects of Hoosier living. State Fair Boulevard will be packed with displays and presentations from a number of groups, including the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, Indiana State Museum, Indiana War Memorials Commission and many more.
• Abraham Lincoln Exhibit - A rare collection of President Lincoln artifacts will be on display in the Home & Family Arts Building.
• Indiana State Fair Tomato Signature Food Contest - the Indianapolis Star and the Indiana State Fair have teamed up to allow the public to vote on this year's new signature State Fair food in celebration of the Year of Tomatoes presented by Red Gold. The winning food was the Deep-fried Pizza, which will be sold in front of the Grand Hall. The five finalists will all be available at the Fair:
  • Pizza Cone (King's Concessions): A cone-shaped pizza crust filled with cheese, pepperoni, sausage and Red Gold tomato sauce all baked in an oven. It's a "walking pizza in a cone." North of the Home and Family Arts Building, near the Midway arch. Price: $4.
  • YaYa's Tomato Balls (Papageorge's Inc.): This recipe has been enjoyed by the Papageorge family in Greece for many years. It is a favorite dish consisting of diced tomatoes, bread crumbs. The tomato balls are fried until golden brown, and served with a side of cucumber sauce. West side of the West Pavilion. Price: $6 for 7 with dipping sauce.
  • Sun-dried Tomato Pork Burger (Barto's Catering): A juicy pork burger topped with fried green tomatoes, Red Gold chutney and sliced gouda on a sweet roll. Gate 12 plaza, near the Farm Bureau Building. Price: $3.
  • Deep-fried Pizza (Urick Concessions): Deep-fried Pizza, known to Italians as "pizza fritta," is hand-tossed pizza dough deep-fried to a golden brown and topped with delicious pizza sauce of vine-ripened tomatoes and grated cheese. Price: $5.
  • Tomato Bob (Smith Concessions): Fresh Indiana grown produce, starting with cherry/grape tomatoes, sliced green peppers, sliced cucumbers on a stick to create a 'shish-ke-bob' of fresh veggies, served with three dipping sauces. NW corner of the West Pavilion. Price: $3 with dipping sauce.

Someone from the Gazette staff will be at the fair every day. See you there!