Marion County Fair Moves to June

Marion County Fair changes to June dates,

announces new midway operator

Plan on getting your fair food fix a little earlier this year.

**Press Release**

INDIANAPOLIS – The 82^nd annual Marion County Fair will sport a whole new look at a whole new time during Summer 2012.

Citing soaring temperatures frequently approaching triple-digit territory, along with an increasing number of competing events, the fair’s board of directors is moving the event from its traditional July dates to one month earlier. The 2012 Marion County Fair will be held Friday, June 22 through Saturday, June 30.

“We’ve weathered back-to-back summers during which temperatures truly affected every aspect of the Marion County Fair,” said Cathy Clark, newly elected fair board president. “The heat was directly responsible for lower attendance, it created an uncomfortable environment for everyone on the grounds, and bordered on being dangerous for animals on display.

“We also wanted to create some space between our fair and other area big events, such as the Indiana State Fair and Brickyard 400,” she added.

The dates are not the only changes fair-goers will experience. A new midway operator – Farmland, Indiana-based North American Midway Entertainment - will provide more than 40 rides geared for all ages, along with an array of games and fair food.

North American Midway Entertainment provides midway attractions to Hoosier fairs including the Indiana State Fair and the Elkhart, St. Joseph, Porter, Lake, Shelby, Howard, Delaware, and Kosciusko County Fairs, among others.

The 82^nd annual Marion County Fair will be held June 22-30, 2012 at the Marion County Fairgrounds, 7300 East Troy Avenue, Indianapolis, near the I-465/I-74/Southeastern Avenue interchange. For more information, call 317. 353.2444 or log on at www.marioncountyfair.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

A Day at the Indiana State Fair including Jeff Dunham

A day at the Indiana State Fair, for some, is an annual event. I had not been in about 20 years. I know; I was long overdue. Being asked to judge the Backyard BBQ Cook-off, sponsored by Shoup's, and review Jeff Dunham's performance for the same day seemed like a higher power giving a little push.

So I went.

Alongside of me, judging four hours worth of pork hog burgers, ribs and loin, shrimp and vegetables were Reid Duffy (Duffy's Diner) and Chef Thomas England, who is also a sommelier. I was in good company.

After eating for four straight hours, there was only one thing I wanted to do...that's right, hit the strip for fair food. Hey, it'd been awhile. First, I got a couple of old standbys, the elephant ear and the pineapple whip ice cream, and then headed over for deep-fried butter.

Yes, it really was butter; frozen, dipped in funnel cake batter, dropped in hot oil and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. It tasted exactly like french toast without syrup.

Amelia Rettig, a third-grader at New Britton Elementary, dug in and enjoyed it, also. (see left photo)

Taking to the grandstand stage was Jeff Dunham, master ventriloquist and comedian. With millions of Youtube hits, DVD sales and sell-out performances around the world, Dunham continues to delight audiences with his "friends," Walter, Peanut, Jose Jalepeno, Bubba and Achmed.

Achmed, the terrifying terrorist, has scored the most popular spot with fans, usurping grump Walter for the title.

Guitar Guy provided opening entertainment for Dunham and company, and re-appeared to help during the show.

Walter garnered the most laughs when a live train happened along, right in the middle of his routine. Twice.

I am a fan of Dunham but was more than a little surprised when the characters dotted the performance heavily with sexual innuendos and outright vulgarities. Keep that in mind if you are considering taking the kids.

Overall, the day was great with memories of my childhood days of 4-H projects due to the fair, junk food and the midway.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93.1 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter, Fortville-McCordsville Reporter, and Indiana Weekender

Photo credits:
Mark Lee www.GreatExposures.net
PLR photography