INDIANAPOLIS — For five weeks this summer, central Indiana residents will have a chance to experience fair food, rides and games that would've otherwise not been possible since the cancellation of the 2020 Indiana State Fair.
The "Fairgrounds Fun Park" kicks off on Friday, July 31 through September 7 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The festival will run from Noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Indiana-based midway company "North American Midway Entertainment (NAME)" announced Tuesday it would be hosting the carnival in Indianapolis for the first time.
"We are excited to bring much-needed fun and excitement to Indiana for the summer," Danny Huston, NAME's CEO, said. "We are uniquely positioned as an Indiana company to provide this experience for Hoosiers, and we are so excited to bring back the sounds, smells, and sights of summer during this challenging year."
Over 50 rides will fill the Indiana State Fairgrounds, according to NAME's press release. Also, more than 40 food vendors will be set up across Midway as well.
NAME will incorporate COVID-19 procedures for guests and staff at the Fairgrounds Fun Park, including employing a full-time onsite "COVID-19 Customer and Employee Safety Director" who will ensure all components of its program are followed. NAME encourages those with under-lying conditions to stay home.
Additional protocols include:
- employee handwashing and equipment disinfecting
- a series of hand sanitizing stations throughout the Park
- contactless payment options
- plexiglass shields to protect food
- and additional sanitizing wipe downs of rides and games.
"We are mindful of the current pandemic and will adhere to state and local guidelines and practices to ensure the safety of all guests, staff, and vendors," Huston said
For more information, including admission fees, where to buy tickets and the list of the rides, visit fairgroundsfunpark.com.
