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Gov. Holcomb kicks off 2024 Indiana State Fair, his last in office

Gov. Eric Holcomb said he was looking forward to trying the Kool-Aid-infused pickles and peanut butter and jelly chicken wings, two new food offerings at the 2024 Indiana State Fair. (Brandon Smith/IPB News)
Gov. Eric Holcomb said he was looking forward to trying the Kool-Aid-infused pickles and peanut butter and jelly chicken wings, two new food offerings at the 2024 Indiana State Fair. (Brandon Smith/IPB News)

Gov. Eric Holcomb celebrated the opening of the Indiana State Fair Friday, kicking off its 15-day schedule.

The fair’s theme this year is a partnership with Indianapolis art museum Newfields — “The Art and Nature of Fun.”

Holcomb said what makes the fair special is the connections he makes with people.

“This fair just reminds you how big but yet how small our state is,” Holcomb said.

This year marks the last fair for Holcomb as governor. His bucket list for his final fair includes some unusual food offerings.

“I would say Kool-Aid-infused pickles,” Holcomb said. “Probably will take in some peanut butter and jelly chicken wings. I mean, how could you walk by that booth?”

The fair runs through August 18 and is closed Mondays.

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 765-275-1120. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at  bsmith@ipbs.org  or follow him on Twitter at  @brandonjsmith5 .

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 765-275-1120. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at  bsmith@ipbs.org  or follow him on Twitter at  @brandonjsmith5 .

Brandon J. Smith has previously worked as a reporter and anchor for KBIA Radio in Columbia, MO. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, IL as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.