See Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy feed the flock
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy shows an owl feather to curious park-goers on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis. 'Notice how soft the feather is,' McElroy said. 'The softer the feather, the quieter the wings will be.'
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy shows the dead mice that the raptors eat on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis.
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy feeds Carson the eagle on Thursday, July 3, 2025,at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis. Carson, a five year old eagle, has a broken wing that will never allow him to fly again.
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy feeds Matilda the Turkey Vulture on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis, Ind.
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy prepares to feed the raptors in captivity on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis.
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy talks to curious park visitors on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis.
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy feeds Matilda the Turkey Vulture on Thursday, July 3, 2025,at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis.
Adin Parks/IndyStar
Eagle Creek park manager Jenna McElroy poses with Matilda the Turkey Vulture on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Star
2 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
We tried 12 wild Indiana State Fair dishes and ranked them from worst to best
Every year, our IndyStar tasting team is more than happy to provide the important reader service of testing a variety of Indiana State Fair foods and telling you exactly what we think of them with no holds barred. This year, we sweat our way from one end of the fair to the other, sampling a bunch of new dishes and a few that we thought were just downright wild. Find our takes below, ranked from worst (one star) to best (five stars). We hope these insights help you make the best possible investment with your fair dollars. Freund Family Foods Gourmet Funnel Cakes. Across from Corteva Coliseum. $18. IndyStar taster rating:⭐ (1 star) Given my Italian heritage, I really wanted to enjoy this sampling of three famous flavors: Italian wedding cake, tiramisu and cannoli. But unfortunately, neither the cannoli nor tiramisu sections contained any oomph on the front end, and aftertastes were lacking as well. — Domenica Bongiovanni Indiana ribeye truck near the fair Midway. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐ (2 stars) This is not a drink. This is a tug-of-war battle between you and your little sibling. One sip in, you know it's too much sugar, you hand it over to them, but also, you're like, 'Wait, come back, I want it.' It's juicy, it's poppy (but only from the boba), and the flavor screams summer. That said, if you don't shake it around hard, you're just slurping syrup at the bottom like a hummingbird on a Red Bull bender. Sip with caution. And share with a sugar goblin you trust. — Sam Habashy Sun King Brewing in the Taproom across from the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. $12 for 16 ounces. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐ (2 stars) Sun King's cotton candy ale didn't quite do for me what last year's pickle beer did, but that probably says more about me than the drink itself. This take on the classic state fair confection is surprisingly refreshing, with an ambiguously fruity taste that isn't as cloyingly sweet as the beer's frightening shade of teal might suggest. Alas, the opposing flavors just don't mesh as well as you'd hope, which may simply be the result of infusing a drink only consumed legally by people over 21 years old with a food eaten almost exclusively by people under the age of 10. — Bradley Hohulin Jamaican Breeze. Next to the Department of Natural Resources building near the main entrance. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐ ½ (2.5 stars) I was hoping for a trip to flavor town with this one, but sadly, it didn't deliver. The best way to describe the dish? Tame. The jerk sauce had a faint sweetness but lacked the bold, spice-rich taste you'd expect. The cheese was barely noticeable, leaving the fries feeling more like a missed opportunity than a standout snack. At $12, it's hard to justify the price for something so underwhelming. If you're craving bold Caribbean flavors, you might want to keep looking. — Ethan Hylton Dairy Bar. Across from Corteva Coliseum. $5. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars) The barbecue sauce reminds me somewhat of Sweet Baby Ray's, which is a little too sweet for my Kansas City-groomed tastebuds. But the salty, creamy gouda and the slices of perfectly buttered and toasted bread make up for the slight sugar overreach. — Domenica Bongiovanni Black Leaf Vegan Food Truck. Across from Pioneer Village. $17. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars) The plant-based "meat" is coated in a vegan "cheez" sauce that has a fruitiness reminiscent of the sticky-sweet coating on your favorite childhood mall Chinese chicken. The protein and peppers were cradled in a hoagie with enough fluff and chewiness to meet all of my expectations. Overall, this sandwich is a pleasant diversion from the deep-fried cheesy flavors that populate so much of the fair. — Domenica Bongiovanni Urick Concessions. Inside the Agriculture and Horticulture building. $20. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars) If you're looking to escape the summer heat with a refreshing adult beverage, the brunch mimosa might be for you. Light, crisp and not overly sweet, the mimosa was a pleasant surprise, especially with white wine replacing the usual champagne. That twist added a subtle depth that worked well. However, at $20, I expected more from the accompanying fruits, waffles and donuts. They looked promising but didn't quite deliver on flavor. Overall, it's a fun treat if you're in the mood for something light and boozy, but the price-to-quality ratio holds it back. — Ethan Hylton Pickle barrel concession right when you enter by the Hoosier Free Stage lottery. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) This is what happens when your taste buds and your inner feral child make a pact. It's giving "a dare gone too far but also… kinda genius?" It tastes like a sleepover where no one's mom is supervising and someone goes, 'Let's mix everything in the pantry!' I felt nine years old and unhinged in the best way while eating this salty, sweet and weirdly nostalgic confection. I double-dog dare you to eat the whole thing without questioning your life choices — unlike my co-workers, who did not appreciate the admittedly odd flavor palate. — Sam Habashy Hook's Drugstore Museum by the Indiana Arts Building near Gate 1. $9. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) A crisp cup of vanilla cold brew receives vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, Biscoff cookie butter and Biscoff crumbles, all topped with a maraschino cherry. The concoction looks untenably sweet, but it's a far cry from the massive syrup-spiked drive-thru iced coffees that makes you feel like you're having a panic attack after three sips. Aside from some slight whipped cream separation, everything comes together very nicely in a lovely mocha-colored swirl. Just know your limits — full-fat dairy and extra-strength coffee make this sweet treat quietly one of the more intestinally challenging offerings at the State Fair, which is saying a lot. — Bradley Hohulin Red Frazier Bison. Across from Pioneer Village. $20. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) Mind you, this was my first time trying bison, so I was a bit apprehensive going into this, but boy am I glad I tried it. The bison patty was cooked well and surprisingly juicy. What really stood out, though, was the Texas toast: crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all those savory juices. I did discover that pimento cheese isn't my thing, but don't let that stop you — it's a solid burger overall. If you're feeling hangry and want a hearty, satisfying option, this is a safe bet. The $20 price tag is a little steep, but the quality makes it worth considering. — Ethan Hylton J&J A Taste of Home along the northwest side of the West Pavilion. $17 for two rolls. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 stars) Following up last year's confoundingly delicious spaghetti and meat sauce egg rolls, J&J presents my favorite bite of the fair with a 4-inch payload of chopped chicken and cheese that is wrapped and fried, doused in a fire-orange blend of hot honey, lemon pepper and buffalo sauce and drizzled with ranch dressing. Combining the trademark flavors of Philadelphia, Atlanta, upstate New York and the Midwest feels almost heretical yet totally works here. While I admittedly miss the crispness of a traditional egg roll, the tang and heat of the sauces is a worthy trade-off, and I suppose it wouldn't be in the spirit of a Philly cheesesteak if the dish were even remotely tidy. — Bradley Hohulin Wilson concessions truck. By the agriculture building. $12. IndyStar taster rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 stars) Bites? They meant it. These are the perfect portion sizes that fit in your mouth with no hassle. It's coated in just enough cinnamon sugar, but it's not overpowering. And the cereal is quite the throwback as I hadn't had it in years. The cookie butter drizzle is the main character. It adds a subtle softness to contrast the crunch. The bites were gone in minutes, and I was left wanting just one more. — Sam Habashy More: Taste of the Fair: Indiana State Fair announces new foods for 2025 Contact dining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@ You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin and stay up to date with Indy dining news by signing up for the Indylicious newsletter.
Indianapolis Star
18 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
See inside opening day at the Indiana State Fair
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Cousins Charlotte Faulkner, 7, Kemper Crutzsch, 4, and Colt Faulkner, 5, pose for a picture Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Pigs are shown Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar The West Lafayette marching band performs Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during the Indiana State Fair Band Day at Indiana State Fairgrounds. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Brothers Graham, Beau and Beckett Williams ride the super slide Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Scarlett Shroyer, 11, and Tinsley Hinds, 15, of Muncie, take a photo in front of an Indiana State Fair sign Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Holly Howard, 17, braids the hair of Mary Griffiths, 14, before Griffiths shows her sheep Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar People enjoy the swings Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar People walk the Midway near food vendors Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at the Indiana State Fair. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Avery Harlow, 8, of Tipton, Indiana, gets comfy on pine shavings Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, inside the swine barn during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar People enjoy a roller coaster Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Chris and Megan Wright, of Indianapolis, eat street corn Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. 'Everybody likes corn,' Megan said. 'We're Hoosiers,' Chris added. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Marissa Miller and Paige Fisher enjoy an elephant ear Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Sheep are shown Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar The West Lafayette marching band performs Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during the Indiana State Fair Band Day at Indiana State Fairgrounds. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Matt Carlson takes video Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, of the West Lafayette marching band during the Indiana State Fair Band Day at Indiana State Fairgrounds. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Emilie Carson preps a sheep for showmanship for Hallie Sheller, 14, on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Liliana and Melody Sanders pet pigs Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Jim and Debbie Bird enjoy ice cream by the Dairy Bar Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Pigs are shown Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar A look at the Midway sign Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Delaney Bobzien, 6, and her sister, Avery, 4, pose for pictures Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in front of various pieces of art during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar A look at a funnel cake Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar A look at Corteva Coliseum on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Brothers Graham, Beau and Beckett Williams and friend Clint Burton, ride the super slide Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during opening day of the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
Indianapolis Star
19 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Gen Con: See the colors and characters inside the largest tabletop gaming convention
John Swain of Shelbyville, Ind, poses with his animatronic squirrel, Dimitri, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar A stack of 'Magic: The Gathering' cards sit in a tower at the entrance of the Indianapolis Convention Center Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar A balloon creature rides a balloon dragon Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar A player taps a pencil while playing a strategy game Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Therron Thomas of Bloomington, Ind, poses as Judge Thomas Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Judges Thomas is an interpretation of the Judge Dredd character. Adin Parks/IndyStar Joe Poplar of Drand Rapids, Mi, measures the distance needed to move his character Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Anna Karlsson of Greenwood, Ind, shows off her Tiefling Druid cosplay on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Adin Parks/IndyStar Rebecca Pearson of Sacramento, Ca, poses as Daisy Duck Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Germiniano Bambakakis of Sand Diego, Ca, instructs how to play a board game Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Trill Freschi of Philadelphia, Pa, poses for a fan's picture Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar A model airplane stands high for the board game Aerodrome 1.1 on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar A card player organizes his hand Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar April Moody of Lafayette, Ind, dresses up as Illithid from Baldersgate 3 Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar An animatronic cart is controlled by a controller Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Rebecca Pearson of Sacramento, Ca, signs a fan's Daisy Duck card Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Dianne Vaznelis waits to sell merchandise Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Dice is dumped from a cup before it is filled with more dice Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar Rich Closser of Bloomfield, Ind, holds a sign Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Closser was a hired hand to help organize a book vendor. 'The more books I sell, the more beer they'll buy me,' Closser said. Adin Parks/IndyStar Jodi Watson walks through a patch of light Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar StoryBots wait to take pictures with fans Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, during Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis. Adin Parks/IndyStar
