I was supposed to be here, taking pictures with her.
But I ended up here. For two and a half hours.
You know it’s bad when people start getting out of their cars and have picnics in the median.
But! Sometimes a guy busts out a guitar nine cars up and you just happen to have your camera. So you walk up nine cars (hey, you don’t have anywhere else to be) and ask to take his picture. You also may or may not end up with a new facebook friend. (You may also have grand fantasies about one of your facebook friends catching his eye after you post the picture, they end up dating, getting married and having babies. And then when people ask how they met you’re the catalyst of the coolest “how you met story ever.” Also may or may not be made into a movie in your little fantasy.
You finally make it to the fair.
The night is perfect.
The smells are intoxicating. You consider eating everything, hell, you’ve done it before.
You leave happy.
Indiana State Fair. Fourth year, I’m just in love this year as I was four years ago.


















I’ve lived here (well, in Bloomington) almost 5 years and have yet to make it to the fair. These pictures make me want to go.
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@amber, Bloomington isn’t all that far. 2011. NO EXCUSES. Okay?
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You’re in love and I’m nostalgic for my childhood. Again. Mmmm… elephant ears!
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Casey, your intuitive responses to a circumstance and your extraordinary powers of observation are priceless. Thank you for this awesome photo essay!
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We were at the fair yesterday! I love your pictures. I also love that you took a picture of that guy with his guitar!! π
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I wish I was at the fair. I have never been…one day we will go, one day!
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We were at the fair on Tuesday night and had a ball. Unfortunately, we missed Jeff Dunham because I didn’t know he was going to be there until that morning. Great pictures but I am glad I wasn’t stuck in that traffic because I would have given up and went home.
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@Jamie In Indy, I came *thisclose* to giving up. But it’s the fair. I’m so glad I didn’t.
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I want to go to there.
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@alimartell, You know where I live, wait. No you don’t But you know I’d tell you where I live.
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So how old is this guitar-playing facebook friend??
He’s dreamy!! (Whoa, 1988 wants it fav phrase back.)
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@ClassyFabSarah, 27 I think? I googled him. Let’s say he had a big 15 minutes…
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Hook me up! How old is he? I like his arms.
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@Molly, I may be playing “who wants to date the guitar player?”
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Wish I were able to go. *sigh* Maybe one of these days. π
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I too, want to go there. Wait, I think I’ve been there before. You just make it look all so magical.
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@DesignHER Momma, It’s my secret ninja skill.
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Wonderful pics. Our local fair just opened and I’m trying to convince hubby that we should take V…he thinks she really won’t appreciate it for another 3 years or so. So it might just be that I want some fresh cotton candy. *g*
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@Neeroc,
Oh! Did you ever find out what happened to cause the gridlock parking lot?
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@Neeroc, A van drove into the back of a Semi. Sadly it ended tragically for the driver.
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@Casey, Oh! That’s too bad. I was hoping for escaped chickens or a herd of moose (Those things can’t only happen in Canada)
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I enjoyed my 5th and final day at the Fair this past Weds. It was a good Fair and I am always sad to see it come to an end! Great pics!
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I’m going to join the “hook a sista up” crowd π
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girl…you take the most GORGEOUS photos!
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@monica, aw shucks. thanks sugar.
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The guy, adorable.
you and your perspective, perfect.
You with your camera, a blessing.
love you
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I always love your state fair pics. You really capture the essence of the experience. That will be one thing I will miss when we move!
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I love that um, red one. Dangit, I am getting old- I can’t remember the name of the ride that I saw a picture of literally 3 seconds ago. Hang on as I scroll up… Oh yes, the Fire Ball picture is very fun.
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@Barb @ getupandplay, I adore you. I also may have thrown my hands up in victory after I realized I captured that particular photos.
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Love your awesomeness in photo taking! I am about to post my photos but they pale in comparison to your mighty eye for things. Thanks for sharing.
PS I love the fair!
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i WILL go to there. WILL! It looks like the most magical, beautiful summer event ever.
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@Sluiter Nation, *ahem* WE TOLD YOU SO.
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Unless I’m eating magical fried food, I just don’t understand the point of a fair.
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Awesome fair pictures. How could anyone not want to go after seeing those?
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I was sitting behind you while you were editing these, silently marveling at your mad skillz.
I don’t like sleeveless shirts on guys, but this guy is a footnote. Nice arms dude.
Also. I’ve live here for thirty-mumble years and I have never ever been to the State Fair. I fail at Hoosier.
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Beautiful work, Casey!
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Beautiful pictures, makes me wish I was there
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Your photos are so beautiful they make me wish I was there.
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So, how’s this for random? I went to college with that guy.
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I miss my home state, especially at fair time. I practically grew up on that midway (my parents operated an ice cream stand for a friend every summer) and I would love to go back. Maybe next summer.
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I wish I was stuck in traffic with you and met that adorable guy with the guitar! π
We don’t have state fairs like that in PA. I am gonna have to get myself to Indiana. I have always wanted to go to the Texas State Fair as well.
Great pictures as always Casey!
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Great photos, as always!! Too bad I live in Missouri!! Boo!!
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Thanks for sharing…Happy that you love it so much (’cause I do to!)…Sad that once again another has come & gone without my taking the kids to see what was such an integral part of my childhood.
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Great photo’s of the fair and the traffic jam! Love it!
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What a fun trip!
(And to chime in with my own 2 cents, HELLO guitar guy!)
*wink, wink*
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This is a nice blog message, I will keep this idea in my mind. If you add more video and pictures because it helps understanding π ml Hifleischer.
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