Fairgrounds Fun

There are two reasons to head to the Indiana State Fairgrounds this weekend.

First (of course) is the 35th anniversary edition of the International Festival, with all the ethnic food, entertainment and cultural displays you can imagine (yes: Indy has a diverse cultural heritage, and it's all on display today and tomorrow in the West Pavilion -- the video shows the Parade of Nations).

Second, there are the cats. You know, those cute kids-in-fur-coats who are good at chasing the mice out of your house. The Cat Fanciers' Association is holding its annual show in the South Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Read all about its special event: the feline agility competition in The New York Times. (Yeah, The Indianapolis Star missed yet another local story.)

For one $3 "facility access fee", you can park at the fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, to see both events. Try the cats first ($6 for adults) and then finish up at the International Festival ($10 for adults) where you can assemble a fabulous feast from the various food booths and settle down (perhaps with a glass of wine or beer) to watch some more great entertainment.

(Photo courtesy of Indy's International Festival)