Indiana State Fair

Peek behind the counter at this annual institution, and you’ll see that the Dairy Bar is more than merely an ice cream stand or a sandwich grill. It’s a well-oiled operation.

If the Fair is for eaters, Dig IN is for foodies.

“We have [been to a lot of state fairs], but they all have a different vibe. The one thing they all share is great food stands. I’m going to eat a fried Snickers bar!”

With the Indiana State Fair opening today, we caught up with the owner of North American Midway, a lifelong Hoosier who has been operating the rides for 20 years.

Don’t try to make new friends. Even so, the people-watching is first class. Just don’t gawk.

>> MORE: To Eat or Not to Eat—State Fair Dos and Don’ts, now through Sunday, Aug. 19

The Indiana State Fair harbors a bonanza of options (and a nonstop source of amusement), and with that comes a litany of both must-munch and don’t-dare food and drink products. Here, a grandstand-meets–Midway rundown of the best and worst (wurst?) for your palate at this event, an annual since 1862. All the offerings are not created equal. Fair enough? We think so.

Italian Spaghetti Ice Cream at the Indiana State Fair, one of this year’s buzzed-about newcomers. With a flavor reminiscent of strawberry shortcake, the frozen treat consists of a pile of creamy, noodle-shaped vanilla gelato; a “red sauce” of syrupy pureed strawberries; chocolate malted milk “meatballs”; and grated white-chocolate “cheese.” Points for creativity, and the kids will love it.

Reflecting on his experiences with interviewing survivors and others affected by the Indiana State Fair tragedy in August 2011, executive editor Evan West speaks today with 93.1 host Steve Simpson. Audio from their conversation appears here at right. Simpson himself was one who reacted quickly on the ground to report the stage rigging collapse on August 13, 2011, just before the country band Sugarland was to take the stage.

“My daughter is hurt!” the mother yelled, desperate. A stranger appeared and made a tourniquet for the girl, and then a woman who said she was a nurse and a man who said he was a doctor carried her away. Trust us, they said.

I had been going back to the night of August 13, 2011, time and time again, in quick succession. And I was shaken.

WTHR-TV will be honored for its broadcasts with two National Edward R. Murrow Awards on October 8. The coveted prizes recognize outstanding “electronic” journalism at the national level and in TV and radio markets both large and small. Representatives from the station will receive the awards at a ceremony in New York City.

Know your audience.

Sunday marked the end of the Fair’s 2011 run. We said our goodbyes until next year … which gives us roughly 365 days to work off the following.

Philly Steak Slider. A respectable $2 version of the $7 original, the four-bite snack featured remarkably tender slices of “prime rib,” with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese sauce.

Gyro. An annual must-eat. Tender lamb and beef inside pillowy pita, with onions, tomatoes, and addictively cream