Broad Ripple Gazette vol 12 no 15

First published in the Broad Ripple Gazette.

It’s Indiana State Fair time, it’s Indiana State Fair time! I can’t believe how excited I get each year – I’m always afraid that my enthusiasm will wane, but not this year at least. The “Year of the Farmer” promises great music and exhibits. I will preview a slice of the goodness in this issue and the next of the Gazette. In the meantime, there are oodles of fun to be had. 

Rodeo Ruby Love – Final Show with Mike Adams at His Honest Weight
Friday, July 31, 2015
The Hi-Fi
1043 Virginia Ave
21+, $10, doors 8:00 PM/show 9:00 PM

All good things must come to an end, or so I hear. 

Rodeo Ruby Love has being doing great musical things for the past 10 years. And band years are like dog years, each year should be multiplied by seven, at least. They have toured (with the requisite van breakdowns) several times, recorded six albums, contributed to compilation recordings, and played hundreds of shows in the last decade. They are celebrating the end of their era with a farewell show at The Hi-Fi in Fountain Square. 

The description on their website says it best “Rodeo Ruby Love has tried to become synonymous with Indiana: honest, hardworking, non-assuming and a little bit behind the times. Their songs seek to tell real stories, vulnerably exploring truth in the emotions we experience when life and love collide—the heartaches of friendship, the exhilaration of relationship, and the innocent angst of trying to get to second base.” 

Mike Adams at His Honest Weight (isn’t that a fun band name?) will open the show. 

www.hifiindy.com

In-Store Performance with Summer and Michael Kelsey
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Indy CD & Vinyl
806 Broad Ripple Ave.
all-ages, free, 5:00 PM

Yowza, Summer is talented! I’ve been listening to her debut album, Save the World, and it is wonderful good old-fashioned rock and roll. The fact that she is only 14 years old adds to the fun. She caught the ear of the guitar virtuoso and multi-talented Michael Kelsey, who produced the record and will perform with her at Indy CD & Vinyl. 

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this show.   

summersmusic.net
michaelkelsey.com
www.indycdandvinyl.com

Indiana State Fair – Year of the Farmer
August 7 – 23, 2015
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38^th Street
all-ages, gate ticket price $12, advance $8,  children under 5 years old free, various packages and discounts available 

I am an Indiana State Fair geek – I’ve attended every single day of the Fair for years. Here are a few insider tips. 

Parking: They started charging $5.00 for parking on the Fairgrounds a few years ago. If I’m driving, I find it easiest to park at the Indiana School for the Deaf at 52^nd Street and the Monon Trail. The charge is the same, and it is an easy walk across the street. There is also handicapped parking there and you don’t have to down and up the steps under the track. I find it easier to exit also, be prepared, everyone has to exits onto 46^th Street, but there is you get to see all of the trailers and fun stuff of the folks that are working at the Fair. 

Walking: The Monon Trail leads right to the Fairgrounds. You can hop off at 42^nd or 38^th Street, or there is a gate right on the Trail that leads into the Midway. 

Pedal & Park: The secured bicycle parking is right on the trail, north of 38^th Street. And you receive a coupon for $1 off of your admission. Be mindful that you need to retrieve your bike by 8:00 PM. 

Train: I had never taken the Indiana Transportation Museum FairTrain because it seemed a little crazy for me to drive to Fishers to travel back to my neighborhood. Last year my clever brother pointed out that I could make the round trip from the Fairgrounds to Fishers and back. Why didn’t think of that? I’ll be taking my inaugural FairTrain ride this year. The trains arrive and depart the Fairgrounds several times each day across from Gate 6, you can now purchase tickets at the Coliseum Box Office. Prices vary by day and age of the rider, check www.itm.org for more info. 

Tractor Shuttle: I have an unnatural affection for the Tractor Shuttle. It is a great way to see the Fairgrounds and meet people. I couldn’t confirm this year’s price; it was a dollar per ride last year. You can take a full turn around the Fairgrounds while sitting in the shade (or out the rain). Seniors can purchase a daily unlimited ride wrist band for $3 – and it is free for seniors on both Tuesdays of the Fair. 

Admission: There are tons of deals to be had. There will be a coupon in Monday, August 10^th Indianapolis Star for free admission on Wednesday, August 12. There are also discounts for brining Pepsi cans, AAA member’s day, college students, military personnel and families, and much more. Check out indianastatefair.com for more information. 

Food: On both Tuesdays of the Fair there are $2 Taste of the Fair specials. All concessionaires will offer a $2 special. It’s a great way to sample it all! 

Balloon Launch and Light Up the Night: Friday, August 7^th (Opening Day). The balloons will launch at sunrise (about 6:15 AM) and that evening (9:00 PM) there will be an Illuminated Tractor Parade and Hot Air Balloon Glow, presented by Reynolds Farm Equipment.

I’ll have the rundown of concerts and other State Fair events in the next issue.