State Fair opens today

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For the next 17 days, the Indiana State Fair is the place to dine and unwind.

For one, there’s the food. You can enjoy a deep-fried pickle spear, a donut burger and wash it down with a peanut butter milkshake.

There’s also the midway. You may not want to get on the rides named “Freak Out” and “Fire Storm” after you’ve had a couple of funnel cake birthday burgers.

You can learn about Indiana’s history at the Bicentennial Pavillion, which features exhibits showcasing the people, places and things that have made Indiana unique during the past 200 years.

Also new to this year’s fair is the Purdue Extension’s “Don’t Be a Zombie – Be Prepared” exhibit. It consists of a walk-though maze and interactive video game designed to simulate a zombie apocalypse. The thrill ends in an underground storm shelter well-stocked with emergency supplies. The exhibit is meant to help participants learn the importance of preparing for when disaster strikes.

Finally, check out the free live entertainment every night. It starts with Night Ranger on Opening Night, followed by other artists such as Neal McCoy, 38 Special, The Bacon Brothers, Blues Traveler, Maddie and Tae, Lauren Alaina and Brown County’s own Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.