Best of Southern Indiana
Best Annual Fair

An old fashioned sorgham press at the Indiana State Fair
Indiana State Fair - The Indiana State Fair was overwhelmingly voted the Best Annual Fair. This State Fair has been an annual tradition for many Hoosier families, in part because it improves every year. If you haven't been to the State Fair lately, its time you go see what's new! This year 754,410 visitors attended. The State Fair underwent millions of dollars in renovations this year, giving the whole atmosphere a much cleaner, more welcoming feel. Four facilities underwent significant renovations this year. One was the Edy’s Grand Hall, formerly the Lincoln Theater, which underwent over $2 million in renovations and was changed from an auditorium to an exhibit space. Two traveling exhibits were featured in 2000. One, Project XL was an art exhibit that involved young people throughout Indiana. The purpose was to take the energy of today's youth and direct it towards art - performing or visual art. This was sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. Another traveling exhibit was called Discovering Science, and involved very hands-on, interactive exhibits of the visual sciences such as making giant bubbles, making foam, or even a giant photo cell where a person could be "flashed" to create a shadow.

Other renovations were to the Department of Natural Resources Building, originally built in 1950. One fascinating aspect were the fish tanks which were completely renovated this year. Now fish are grouped together so visitors can see the actual fish that live together in an Indiana stream, pond or lake. The million dollar renovation also included new landscaping, walkways and a fountain. The Pepsi Coliseum also underwent a big change - it is now air conditioned for the first time ever! This brought record numbers to several of the livestock shows, and made for a much more comfortable experience! The Exhibition Hall has also undergone a $2 million renovation and has become much brighter and user friendly.

The Department of Natural Resources Pavilion at the Indiana State Fair
Pioneer Village has become a favorite area of the State Fair for many visitors. Here you can take a trip back in time to see how things were done in Pioneer Days. Things slow down in the Pioneer Village. You can see sorghum put through a horse-powered press to make sorghum molasses (with children given the chance to ride the horse), maple syrup demonstrations, steam-powered threshing machines, a steam-powered grist mill grind wheat into flower, a blacksmith, and so much more. There are also craftspeople doing quilting, rug weaving, spinning wool, and carving wooden bowls and furniture with hand tools. The folks dress in Pioneer clothing and stay in character, often surprising visitors with impromptu skirmishes or by pulling a ‘possum out of a sack in “‘Possum Holler.”

Indiana is blessed to have the Indiana State Fair, which is not only one of the best fairs in the state, but one of the best in the country.

Runner Up

A large crowd enjoys the excellent German Food at the Jasper Strassenfest 2000! (Photo by Darren Patterson courtesy of jasperstrassenfest.org)
Jasper Strassenfest - One of the largest festivals in Southern Indiana, this Dubois County annual festival celebrates the area’s rich German heritage. Held the first week of August, the 2000 Strassenfest attracted 30,000 visitors. Each year a variety of German bands and dancers come from Germany to perform throughout the festival. Enjoy beer in the bier garten, walking street entertainers, carnival rides and several unique contests. Where else can you find a log sawing contest, a keg toss, polka and chicken dance contests, a hot air balloon race, duck race, bowling tourney, fishing contests, kids’ casting contest, a chili cook-off, a horseshoe pitch and a Brewmeister (home brew beer judging) contest all in one festival? For the youngsters the Strassenfest also offers a kids’ waterball event, a baby-can-do contest, and Das Kinderspiel (children's games). One of the most unique events at the Strassenfest is the Children's Box Parade, where area children build cardboard floats and compete for prizes. This is one of Jasper's oldest traditions. Other events are the "Wetlauf", a 5k and 10k run, the Festival on the Green with craft and food items, a pet show, the Autolauf (road rally) with a scavenger hunt, and a Sheephead card tournament. If that's not enough, show off in the Talentspiel (talent contest) or enjoy the Strassenfest bicycle ride. On Saturday evening and Sunday there is a Polka Mass, and the weekend finishes with a bang on Sunday with the Fireworks Grand Finale. Make plans now to attend next year's Strassenfest - one of Southern Indiana's finest festivals!

Other Nominees

A Giant Puppet from the 1999 Apple Butter Festival in Spencer

Apple Butter Festival, Spencer - This annual festival is a weekend of fun, entertainment, good food, a parade, and the annual "Bake Anything Apple" contest. The festival is held each September (16th and 17th in 2000) on the courthouse lawn and town square. There are craft booths and vendors of all sorts, offering everything from life-sized hand-painted "characters", to hand-carved wood products, to a wide variety of jams, jellies, canned goods, and of course, some of the best apple butter Southern Indiana has to offer. Other highlights are a parade and carriage rides.

The King, Queen and their Court of the Aurora Farmers Fair

Aurora Farmer’s Fair, Aurora - The Oldest Street Festival in Indiana will celebrate its 92nd year in 2000. Held the first week in October, dates for 2000 are October 4-7th. The Farmers Fair serves as a homecoming for former Aurora residents of all ages from all over the country. On Saturday morning, the biggest day of the fair is kicked off with the two-hour annual Farmers Fair Parade. “One of the largest parades I've seen in a small town”, says one reader. “This is not only Indiana's oldest street festival, but it is definitely one of the best!” Other features are exhibits with ribbons and prizes awarded, a pet parade for kids, live entertainment on the stage each night, and a Queen contest.

Blue Jeans Festival, Rising Sun - This annual festival underwent a rebirth in 1997, after a decades-long hiatus. A popular festival in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, it died out for a time, partly because of lack of funding. Thanks to an economic resurgence in Ohio County, the Blue Jeans Festival is now welcomed back by the community! Did you know blue jeans have historic ties to Rising Sun? In the 1800s a gentleman running for public office was challenged to wear blue jeans in his campaign - unheard of for a politician in those days. The silent movie and play “Blue Jeans” was also set in Rising Sun. Today the Blue Jeans Festival offers carnival rides and games and national entertainers. A “Blue Jeans Queen” is named among the over 55 women, and there is a pageant for the 13 to 19-year olds, who then go on to compete in the sate fair pageant. The Blue Jeans Festival has grown since its rebirth, and now brings in national entertainers like Marty Stuart, Loverboy, The Contours and the Kentucky Headhunters. Held Thursday through Saturday, the last weekend of June in downtown Rising Sun. (812) 438-4933.

Scenes from last years Bleemel Days Festival in Terre Haute

Bleemel Days Festival, Terre Haute - Bleemel Days is held the last Saturday in September, presented by the Terre Haute Brewery Museum and the Vigo County Historical Society. The 1999 festival included Bleemel Building Tours in the historic Terre Haute Brewery district, the 1940s Coca-Cola Wagon which celebrated the history of the Coca-Cola bottle in Terre Haute, and a recreation of local history presented by The Historical Society and Stage WorkShops. Other activities have included pottery demonstrations, artist print signing, carriage rides, a children's scavenger hunt, and oral histories recorded by Folk historians. Ambrosini’s Restaurant provided food and beer while there were other vendors in the street. The Vigo County Library also sponsored Family Learning Day, which included a free movie, books, tours, crafts, music, stories and more. Several bands entertain on the stage throughout the day and evening. Ambrosini’s Restaurant hosted the 1999 Brewfestival under the tent with good food as well as domestic and micro beers. The Brewfestival is a fairly new event in Terre Haute and the crowd grows every year. This is definitely a good time whether you're interested in Terre Haute history, turn-of-the-century life, or just good music, good food and good beer. Call (812) 234-5555.

Brazil 4th of July Celebration - Fireworks and more at this annual 4th of July Celebration in the Clay County town of Brazil!

Covered Bridge Festival, Parke County - With more covered bridges than anywhere else, Parke County has become renowned not only throughout Indiana, but the world. And the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is a world-class event. The festival lasts for ten days (October 13th through 22nd in 2000). Every town and village in the county takes part. So give yourself plenty of time - there is too much to see and do to rush through. A good starting point for the Covered Bridge Festival is the Headquarters right on The Square in the county seat of Rockville. There you can pick up a color-coded map which will guide you to the 32 historic covered bridges. Tour the county with your map by car at your own pace, or take a bus tour with a local guide. One of the attractions of Parke County is Billie Creek Village, just east of Rockville on US 36. There you can visit a recreated pioneer settlement where turn-of-the century craftsmen demonstrate their skills. There are 30 period-style buildings including a schoolhouse, churches, and a general store, where you can buy local crafts such as pottery, jams and jellies, and quilts. There are three historic covered bridges in Billie Creek, and horse-pulled wagon, rides available to really take you back in time. In the town of Bridgeton you'll see a 245' double-span bridge above a dam with a working grist mill, an 1878 house, artists, crafters and food. Also make sure to visit Mecca and dance in the covered bridge! The historic river town of Montezuma is known for its weekend hog roast and Aztec trading post. Rosedale's Civic Center features local artists and craftsmen, and at Tangier you will find five covered bridges within three miles, and dine on their famous "buried roast beef." And don't miss the pleasant Quaker community of Bloomingdale and hear tales of the Underground Railroad. Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is a must-see for Southern Indiana visitors.

Ethnic Expo, Columbus - “This is one of the best festivals I've been to since I've lived in Indiana”, says a reader. The Ethnic Expo is a great place to take in the cultures of the world with a wide variety of food and entertainment. Held each October in downtown Columbus, the 2000 festival is the 13th through 15th, between Washington and 1st Streets. The festival is free of charge and includes authentic ethnic foods, an international bazaar, cultural exhibits, entertainment, and special children's activities. The festivities begin at 5pm on Friday evening, and a parade will be at 11am on Saturday with activities continuing until 9pm. Sundays hours are noon to 4pm with a kite fly. Contact Kathy Armstrong at 812-379-4001 for more information.

Harvest Homecoming, New Albany - This is one of Indiana's largest festivals and is held annually in downtown New Albany and various locations. The parade is October 7th and starts at the corner of Vincennes & Spring. The 2000 fair runs October 11 through 14. This festival features lots of sporting events, entertainment, contests for all ages, a parade, arts and crafts and much more. There are 350 food and craft booths!

Heritage Days, Hope - This festival celebrates the past while looking to the future, and is held annually in Hope, Bartholemew County. The 2000 dates are September 22 through 24th and feature a free concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers at 7:30pm Saturday. On Sunday Harvey Phillips Tubacompany will play at noon, with the parade beginning at 2:30pm. There will be lots of good food vendors and craft vendors as well!

A covered wagon in the Lazy Days Parade in Gosport

Lazy Days, Gosport - Gosport celebrated its 32nd Annual Lazy Days Festival in August of 2000 with four full days of fun. Fairgoers can be always find good food, music, and entertainment offered all weekend, with a hog roast, a fish fry, breakfast at the Masonic Hall, a chicken smorgasbord, and a community picnic in the park. One highlight is the parade, held on Saturday. Other events are bike/trike/big wheel races, a pet show, a baby pageant, and a bedrace. There are arts, crafts, food booths and other venders on the streets, and games of skill and homemade ice cream at The Park. In 1999 this Owen County town celebrated the grand opening of the Gosport History Museum at its new location at the corner of 4th and North Streets. Slide shows presented in the museum take visitors on a journey through Gosport and Owen County's past.

Vigo County Fair, Terre Haute - The Vigo County fair was the only 4-H fair nominated this year, but it is truly one of the Indiana's best fairs. Says one reader, “Always was and always will be the best fair in the state. Not too big but not too small.”

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All Feature Articles, artwork and photographs ©2000 by Southernin.com. Some information on the 'County Info' pages is taken directly from brochures published by Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.