Indianapolis is My Home

13
Aug

Paul D’Andrea Captures the City of Indianapolis

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Indianapolis Photos, Local Artists, State Fair

I’m not sure what it is lately, but I keep coming across great photographers that are located here in Indianapolis. This time it’s Paul D’Andrea and I’ve become mesmerized by his images of the Indiana State Fair that’s taking place right now.

In the picture above he’s captured the quintessential imagery of a fair with the large Ferris wheel ride and of course the funnel cakes stand.

You can enjoy more galleries of his images on his flickr photo stream or read about what he also things about the photography he’s doing on his personal blog too.

14
Aug

All-Indy Pass

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Art, Business, Childrens Museum, Colleges, Concerts, Dining, General, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Zoo, Special Events, State Fair, Theater, Things To Do in Indy

My wife and I have been wondering lately why Indianapolis doesn’t have a citywide pass that would get you into a variety of attractions for a single, annual fee.

We’re members of the Indianapolis Zoo, The Indianapolis Children’s Museum already and would be interested in buying a membership to NCAA Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum, Connor Prairie, Eagle Creek Park, etc.

There are loads of different events that happen across the city on a regular basis, it seems like an Indy City Pass would be a great idea for somebody to implement. You could even incorporate restaurant discounts, free parking and similar items.

Even thinking about it a little bit more, it would be great to be able to choose one game to attend for each sports team: Pacers, Colts, Indians, Fever, Ice and maybe even local college sporting events.

14
Aug

FREE Indiana State Fair Tickets in IndyStar

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Families, Indiana State Fair Grounds, News, Special Events, State Fair, Things To Do in Indy

On the back page of the Tuesday edition of the Indianapolis Star Healthy Living section is a full page ad for the Indiana State Fair with a free ticket for admission Tues, Wed, or Thurs, this week.

Thanks to my friend Russ for sending me an e-mail about this today and for Z99.5 WZPL for mentioning it on the air this morning when a caller called in to let them know.

The concert at the fair tonight is Kenny Rogers and Oak Ridge Boys, but if you’re going to the concert, you’ve got tickets and those include admission anyway.

09
Aug

Indiana State Fair Started Today

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Celebrities, Indiana State Fair Grounds, State Fair, Things To Do in Indy

If you didn’t know it already, today was the first day of the 2007 Indiana State Fair. The biggest event of the day is the High School Band Day, with the final competitions this evening.

One of the big events at the fair each year are the concerts.

Here’s the schedule for the bigger showcase concerts

• Thursday, August 9th
• Casting Crowns
• Jeremy Camp
• Friday, August 10th
• Rascal Flatts Tour
• Jason Aldean
• Monday, August 13th
• Jonas Brothers
• Tuesday, August 14th
• Kenny Rogers
• The Oak Ridge Boys
• Wednesday, August 15th
• David Cassidy
• Thursday, August 16th
• American Idol Live Tour
• Friday, August 17th
• Screamfest 07 (T.I., Ciara, T-Pain, Lloyd & Yung Joc

Visit the State Fair website for more details on these concerts

27
Jun

A Lower Fat State Fair - 1st in the Nation

Author: Jason Bean, Category: Cultural Events, Health, State Fair

The Indiana State Fair announced yesterday that trans-substantiated fat oils will no longer be used by the majority of food vendors at the Indiana State Fair beginning this year. Perhaps the only caveat is popcorn vendors:

Popcorn will still contain trans fats because concessionaires could not find a trans-fat-free oil that mimicked the taste of butter as well, said Chip Huckaby, executive chef for Barto’s Banquets & Catering, which has been a concessionaire at the fair for 18 years. 

After listening to a brief interview on WIBC 1070AM yesterday, it appears they’ve been thinking about moving this direction for awhile, but really started taking action and making moves since January.

In the past the hindering factor had been the increased costs for the different oils. However, with more development by scientists in that area and an increased production volume, there are no additional costs associated with this change at the fairgrounds. In fact Chip Huckaby stated that there’s probably a savings experienced with the change.

For those not familiar with the impact of trans-fat on our health, Huckaby explained the problem very clearly in the interview. Many of us have deep fryers at home and are probably very familiar with the greasy film that collects on the lid and rim of those fryers, as well as anything else in the immediate vicinity while we’re cooking. That same coating and film of grease (which we know is a real pain to try and clean off of metal!) collects in our arteries and is what clogs up the ol’ system. Non trans-fat oils don’t produce that same film, so less coating, less blocking and overall a healthier experience.

Until a deep-fried candy bar and Twinkie makes it onto the list of basic food groups, greasy fats will be a little less worrisome for fair attenders this year. I’ll see you there with a funnel cake!

• State Fair takes some guilt out with ban on trans fat oils
• Indiana State Fair banishes trans fats