100 Things Only Hoosiers Say at the Indiana State Fair

You haven’t done the fair right unless you’ve said at least five of these out loud.

Because no one does deep-fried, sunburned, livestock-loving fun quite like Indiana.

If you’ve been to the Indiana State Fair more than once, you already know it’s not just about the rides or the elephant ears—it’s about the experience. The heat, the food, the goats, the butter cow, and the oddly passionate debates over which lemonade shake-up stand is the best.

This list is for the lifelong fairgoers, the 4-H kids, the parents dragging wagons, and everyone who’s ever tried to time their visit perfectly between a pig race and a deep-fried Snickers. From awkward parking lot memories to iconic food traditions, here are 100 things only true Hoosiers say (and completely understand) during fair season.

Grab your sunscreen, your appetite, and your sense of humor—and let’s go.

1. “We gotta get there early before it smells like hot cow.”

Because livestock + August heat = a scent you’ll never forget.

2. “Let’s hit the Dairy Barn before the line wraps around the building.”

You don’t mess around when it comes to milkshakes and grilled cheese.

3. “Wait, how many tickets is that ride?!”

Always more than you thought. Every. Single. Year.

4. “That better be a lemon shake-up in your hand.”

Hoosier fair law: you must be holding one at all times.

5. “This corn dog is $12?! … worth it.”

You’ll complain, then immediately eat two.

6. “We’re watching the pig races at 3—don’t forget.”

Because nothing screams summer like betting on Swifty Bacon.

7. “Meet me by the giant cheese sculpture.”

Best landmark at the fairgrounds. Period.

8. “Do not buy the $30 light-up sword.”

Said every Indiana parent who inevitably gives in.

9. “Let’s go walk through the air-conditioned buildings.”

Yes, we care about Indiana’s giant pumpkin contest. Mostly for the AC.

10. “Oh good—they still have deep-fried Oreos.”

A sigh of relief heard across generations.

11. “We’ll ride that after we eat… or maybe not.”

The debate between funnel cake and the Tilt-a-Whirl is real.

12. “I think the butter cow’s smaller this year.”

A truly Indiana conversation.

13. “Remember when we used to come for free with school?”

Ah yes, the golden field trip days.

14. “I don’t care if it’s $7. We’re getting the roasted corn.”

And slathering it with way too much butter, proudly.

15. “Where’s the map? This place is huge now.”

No matter how many times you’ve been.

16. “Let’s go see the world’s largest pig.”

It’s not officially the fair until you’ve stared at an 1,100-pound animal.

17. “That’s the same guy who juggled fire last year!”

You know the fair performers by name.

18. “Parked by Gate 6… I think?”

Famous last words before wandering the lot at sunset.

19. “Only in Indiana do we deep-fry Pepsi.”

…and cheesecake, and pickles, and mac & cheese.

20. “We’re coming back next week for $2 Tuesday.”

Because you know one trip to the fair is never enough.

21. “Is that tractor… racing another tractor?”
Absolutely. And we cheer.

22. “We can’t leave without seeing the baby goats.”
They’re the real stars of the show.

23. “Is this real wood carving or chainsaw carving?”
There’s a difference—and you’re invested.

24. “Don’t eat the whole funnel cake before the Ferris wheel.”
Veteran advice.

25. “Let’s just sit and people-watch for a bit.”
Best seat in the house? Anywhere near the Midway.

26. “That butter sculpture must’ve taken forever.”
You stand there in awe, every time.

27. “They deep-fried what this year?”
The annual surprise is half the fun.

28. “I can smell the turkey legs from here.”
Follow your nose.

29. “We’re gonna need a second mortgage for all this food.”
And still, you’ll get dessert.

30. “Let the kids ride. I’m going to the wine slushie tent.”
Fair parenting at its finest.

31. “That cow’s getting shampooed better than I ever have.”
You start to feel a little jealous.

32. “Where’s the free stuff building?”
You need that tote bag from the soybean council.

33. “We’re just gonna ‘split’ this elephant ear.”
No you’re not.

34. “That ride looks held together with duct tape and prayers.”
And yet… you still get on.

35. “The 4-H kids run this whole place.”
Respect.

36. “Got your poncho? Storm’s rolling in.”
Because it’s always fair week when it rains.

37. “Let’s go find the mini donuts.”
They’re small. You’re eating twelve.

38. “Wait—where’s the goat yoga tent?”
It’s a thing. And it’s packed.

39. “Is that the guy from the hypnotist show?”
He’s lowkey a celeb around here.

40. “It’s not a real fair day ‘til someone’s sunburnt.”
Usually you.

41. “Who brought the Bug Bowl slime again?”

42. “It’s a family tradition: Fair Friday.”

43. “Do they still give out pickle samples?”

44. “We’re checking the knitting contest first.”

45. “Don’t forget the livestock auction tomorrow.”

46. “Get the onion blossom for me, please.”

47. “Is the 4-H goat actually licking my hand?”

48 .“That’s the only funnel cake bigger than my face.”

49. “I can’t smell anything past the funnel cakes.”

50. “These Bacon-on-a-stick lines are insane.”

51-100

• “Why is it hotter inside the cattle barn?”
• “Where’s the hypnotist act this year?”
• “Last year’s carnies still remember me.”
• “Is the merry-go-round even spinning this time?”
• “My Fitbit says we walked 10 miles already.”
• “Get the garlic fries—they’re epic.”
• “I need a Hopper Hat to stay sane out here.”
• “Where’s the 500 Saddle Club show?”
• “I want a pic with the life‑size crop duster.”
• “That’s the chili cook-off tent.”
• “They had to ban the deep-fried butter, right?”
• “Is the train still the only free ride?”
• “We need at least three pow-wow performances.”
• “Get me those smoked turkey legs.”
• “What time’s the demolition derby?”
• “I swear that goat just winked at me.”
• “Ever notice every year the same prize guy?”
• “My niece raised that pig behind me.”
• “The bouncy pillow’s still the best thing there.”
• “That cow is still winning rosette ribbons.”
• “Hold my funnel cake—showtime’s starting.”
• “We always miss the FFA tractors.”
• “That picture of us by the corndog, Art?”
• “Those fairgrounds Wi-Fi bars… nonexistent.”
• “We should hit the drone demo next.”
• “Are they still doing Instant Photo booths?”
• “It’s not halfway through without funnel cake.”
• “Where’s the wildfire-blackened ribs stall?”
• “Those guys in reflective vests help ya out here.”
• “Text me when you get by the saltwater taffy.”
• “Who stole my seat by the stage?”
• “There’s a ghost in the agricultural building.”
• “When’s the horse pull results posted?”
• “We can’t leave until fireworks tonight.”
• “My cousin’s in the pie-eating contest.”
• “Is the carousel even running anymore?”
• “Do they still let you milk a cow?”
• “Free fair poster’s always our fridge staple.”
• “Let’s head to the FFA fashion show.”
• “Look out—tiny parachute racers here.”
• “Must grab a garlic pretzel.”
• “Any good deals at the farm equipment row?”
• “They replaced the hog towers with pigs.”
• “Those petunias in the floral tent are perfect.”
• “You’d never see this at county fair.”
• “Goat yoga’s sold out again.”
• “Everything’s more expensive midweek.”
• “My Fitbit says we’re lost in the barns.”
• “The Ferris wheel’s lights are brighter this year.”
• “We still need a family photo by the cow.”
• “See ya next year… same spot at Gate 4.”