Photo: The Indiana State Fair Is in the Rearview, and So Is This Fantastic Hat

Bright and bucolic fashions collide atop the dome of one fairgoer, plus a by-the-numbers breakdown of this year’s highlights and records.
Popcorn ball (Photo courtesy Indiana State Fair)

Mild temperatures and less than an inch of rainfall during the Indiana State Fair’s August 2–18 run made for record turnout. But there’s nothing mild about the hat at left, perched atop the noggin of one woman who obviously flat-out loves the fair. Cows and tractors and corn, oh my!

Sartorial decisions aside, here’s a by-the-numbers look at this year’s fair attendance and more:

157  Years of the fair

978,296   Total attendees in 2013

973,902  2009’s previous-record mark

853,941  2012’s comparatively meager attendance
 
Concert by the forever-young rockers in Styx

Performance by an Oscar winner (Kevin Costner)

1  Concert by pop-tart musical duo Karmin

6,510   Poundage of the popcorn ball on display for the duration of the fair

Queen crowned: Alyssa Garnett, Miss Pulaski County and a 19-year-old Purdue University sophomore (see video below)

The next edition of the Indiana State Fair will take place August 1–17, 2014.

Your Turn: What was your favorite thing about this year’s fair?