INDIANAPOLIS -- Whether you’re a seasoned fairgoer or a newbie, we want to make sure your Indiana State Fair experience is top notch.
Here's a list of items to bring to guarantee a successful trip to the 160th Indiana State Fair.
Comfortable shoes
This may sound obvious but hey, you never know what you’ll see at this year’s fair, including high heels and wedge sandals. You don’t want to be one of the people left sitting on the bench because your feet ache. Tennis shoes are probably the route to go.
READ | What is new at the Indiana State Fair this year?
Cash
Who carries cash anymore? Unfortunately the state fair is going to make you pay a visit to the ATM. Being in our technology-driven society you might think vendors have upgraded their transaction processes, but unfortunately not everyone is up to speed. Some places do accept credit cards but some do not, so you will need cash, that is certain. If you’re thinking, “I’ll just get it at the fair,” the outrageous ATM fees may stop you in your tracks.
An empty stomach
The day you visit the state fair should be planned out. Don’t even think about eating anything the day of your trip (OK, you can have maybe a bowl of cereal…but that’s it!). This mini fasting will help keep your appetite high just in time to try all of the deliciousness the fair has to offer. Now, don’t overdo it. Be sure to pace yourself…just kidding! Go for it!
MORE | Here are the best ways to get to the Indiana State Fair
Hand sanitizer
Between all of the barn animals and food, your hands will get pretty smelly and sticky. Bringing a pocket-sized bottle of hand sanitizer will make all the difference. Plus, it will cut down on the amount of bathroom breaks you’ll have to make to wash your hands. Of course, this means more time for fun.
An open mind
Because your eyes will most likely be bigger than your stomach, you have to be picky about what you eat. While there are the traditional favorites – funnel cakes and turkey legs – also be open to items like fried ice cream, bison cheesesteak egg rolls and mac and cheese nachos. Yes, they’re weird, but tasty! In addition, be open to some of the educational exhibits you'll find at the fair like the lumberjack show and the BMX Stunt show.
Your grocery list
No, this isn’t code for something else. I’m referring to your weekly shopping list with dozens of items on it. Marsh can help you knock off some of those items as they offer a small “grocery store” with local Hoosier-made products inside the Purdue Extension Agriculture/Horticulture Building. Honey, sausage, popcorn and other items are available for purchase. Before you buy, be sure you are completely satisfied with your items as no returns are accepted. Also, it may be a good idea to stop in right before your day ends. That way you won’t be stuck babysitting shopping bags while experiencing all of the fair's goodness.
Making your Saturday plans? Great weather is arriving for our weekend. We're dry, less humid and not as hot. @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/Qf6Mb5kVfP
— Kyle Mounce (@kylemounce) August 6, 2016
Sunscreen
The day I visited to fair, the sun was blazing. Although RTV6 meteorologist Kyle Mounce says we will get a break from theheat and humidity this weekend thanks to the 80-degree weather, its better to be safe than sorry and apply some sunscreen before heading out. While your at it, grab a sun hat and sunglasses. You’ll thank yourself later when your visit is over and you don’t have to worry about burnt skin.
Pain medication
You just got off of a fair ride that flipped and dipped you about a dozen times and now you have the worst headache of your life. What do you do? Break out your handy dandy bottle of pain relievers. Long story short, don’t let one ride ruin your day. Keep going!
RELATED | All 54 rides pass inspection before Indiana State Fair\
An open mind
Because your eyes will most likely be bigger than your stomach, you have to be picky about what you eat. While there are the traditional favorites – funnel cakes and turkey legs – also be open to items like fried ice cream, bison cheesesteak egg rolls and mac and cheese nachos. Yes, they’re weird, but tasty! In addition, be open to some of the educational exhibits you'll find at the fair like the lumberjack show and the BMX Stunt show.
