Marion County Fair

It's somehow hard to grasp that the 12th largest metropolitan area in the United States has a county fair, but it does.  Even for a county fair, it's small.  It's certainly an interesting way to see how Indianapolis is changing.  Sure, there are the reliable teenagers with loud lipstick, big hair, and tight jeans, and their boyfriends who may only be capable of growing a whisper of a moustache, but damned if they're not going to grow it anyway.  But they're standing in line with Latino families speaking Spanish as they all wait for lemon shake-ups and elephant ears.  A testament to the unifying power of cattle and Ferris wheels.  Last year I went with my friend Jana from DC.  We figured we were the only queer (me) and Jew (her) there.  This year she wasn't around, so I strongarmed my friend Brett into going with me.  He agreed, but that was probably because he was drunk when I asked him.  So on a hot summer afternoon we went to the county fair, Brett with his hangover in tow.  We ate corn dogs, fried green tomatoes, and lemon shakeups, then rode ourselves sick on the rides.  Also, there were cows.

Midway

Midway from the Ferris Wheel.

Me on the Ferris Wheel.

Hamburgers - fresh & good

Brett bonds with the calves.

tap dancers

.

Midway

When: late July

Getting there:

by car: From downtown, head east on Maryland Street.  Follow it through the curves until it turns into Washington Street.  Shortly after you pass under I-65/70, take a right onto Southeastern Ave.  Follow Southeastern until you hit Fisher Road (this will take a while, but you'll get to see a variety of strip clubs and the drive-through tobacco store on your way).  Turn right on Fisher to find parking.

by bike: same as above, but not recommended.

Cost:

Admission was $3 in 2002.

Links:

Marion County Fair Ground Home Page