Reporter Survives 100 MPH Fairgrounds Tour

"I thought we were going to die."

That's how WISH-TV sports reporter Ashley Adamson categorized her recent four-lap spin around the State Fairgrounds' famous one-mile Track of Champions. She took to the track in a special two-seat Silver Crown race car during a promotion for tonight's 57th running of the Hoosier Hundred, a traditional part of Indy 500 weekend for generations of race fans.

In the front seat of the car (the seat with the steering wheel and gas pedal), sat legendary driver Jack Hewitt. Hewitt has started more United States Silver Crown races than any driver in history (162) and is the winningest driver in series history (23). Still, Adamson never got too comfortable in her backseat position.



"It felt like we were defying gravity," she said. "It gives me a much better appreciation for what driving one of these takes."

Adamson is no "sissy." She's an accomplished athlete as a four-time Colorado high school State Track Champion and a former member of an Irish women's rugby team that won the Women's European Invitational in 2003 (she was studying in Dublin at the time). But driving and sliding around the Fairgrounds' dirt oval at speeds of 100 miles per hour takes some getting used to, no matter what kind of athlete you are.

"I didn't know what it would be like," she said. "I used to cover dirt races in New York and I didn't understand how much skill and nerve you need for this. I guess I can cross this off my 'Bucket List.'"

Now that she knows, would she do it again?

"I'd love to!" she said.

Brave girl... or maybe just not too bright.



Submitted by Andy Klotz

A Different Kind of “Fayre”

Ever heard of “laughter yoga”? Ha Ha - me neither! How about a “Channeled Healing Meditation”? Nope? Perhaps you’ve attended a “Oneness Blessing”? Not that either?

Now is your chance to check out all this and more at the upcoming Spirit Fayre – the largest Mind, Body, Spirit Expo in Indiana! The Fayre takes place this weekend, May 22-23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the State Fairgrounds’ Grand Hall.

While you’re here checking out the world-renowned psychics, visionary artists, body workers, healers, and an eclectic array of merchants, be sure to stay for a special concert starring Celia on Sunday, May 23^rd at 4pm. Celia has actually been described as “a cross between an earthy Enya, Joan Baez, and Tina Fey.”

Celia uses this cool “looping” technology to perform duets, trios, and even larger ensembles with herself. If you’ve ever seen Michael Kelsey perform on the Main Street Stage during the State Fair, then you are familiar with this. They both use this technique of recording sound and looping tracks to harmonize with themselves. The result is an amazing listening experience!

And for the record, according to Wikipedia: Laughter Yoga is a form of yoga employing self-triggered laughter. The "laughter" is physical in nature, and does not necessarily involve humor or comedy. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. Now that’s something to laugh about. J

Learn more about the Spirit Fayre and the special concert starring Celia (free with the price of admission!) by visiting www.spiritfayre.com.

Submitted by Angie Foreman

Indy's Biggest KISS Fan

Meet Linda Bestwick, a seemingly normal middle-aged suburbanite… or is she?

Linda showed up at the State Fairgrounds ticket office at 10 a.m. May 13 to get tickets for KISS’ August 9 Show at the Indiana State Fair. There’s nothing unusual about that, right? Not really, except that the tickets didn’t go on sale until 10 a.m. on May 14!

That’s right, Linda spent 24 hours waiting to get her tickets because she just can’t get enough of the rockin’ face painters. She loves the music, but also the way they treat their fans.

"When they perform, you really feel like they seriously care about you as a fan, and that you're very, very important to them," she said.

Linda has seen the group eight times already, but expects this show to be their best - because their last one alway is.

"Every show they do, I'm so amazed. You can't think there's ever any way they're ever going to top themselves, and then every show you go to -- it's like, I can't believe it, they've outdone themselves again," she said.

Asked if she was planning to go home and get a nap after spending all night in line, Linda said that wasn't the plan as she has things to do. For one, she was planning to put her tickets in a safe deposit box until August 9.

That was a joke... I think.

Submitted by Andy Klotz

Another Great Year at Country Music Expo

If you were one of the thousands of fans that came out for the hhgregg WFMS Country Music Expo last weekend, then you most likely left with a smile on your face. All of the performers seemed to build a repoire with the audience, and it's clear that they really enjoy being part of this very unique event.

What's so great about CME is that you not only get to hear some fantastic country music, but you get a chance to really get to know the artists beyond their music. Take, for example this insight on Jason Michael Carroll's new look with shorter hair.

The banter with the WFMS personalities is an added bonus, but it's still the music that drives this event. Everyone broke out their hits and Clay Walker even brought along his good friend Randy Bernard, recently named Indy Racing League president.

So thanks to WFMS and hhgregg for putting on another great show... and just in case you missed it, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Sugarland are only three months away!

Submitted by Andy Klotz

The Fairgrounds is Goin' Country Y'All

So, what do American Idol alums Danny Gokey and Bucky Covington, country stars Steel Magnolia and Coldwater Jane, and up-and-comer Blaine Larsen all have in common? These are just some of the country music stars WFMS will present at the 16th annual hhgregg Country Music Expo this Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd!

If you are a fan of country music, the Indiana State Fairgrounds is the place to be this weekend. You'll see acoustic concerts from big and new country stars! Bring a sharpie - you might even win the chance to MEET your favorite star and get their autograph and picture. So slip on those cowboy boots and practise your two-step - the stars are coming out and they're ready to play!

Submitted by Angie Foreman

Horse Lovers Unite

Ok, even if you're not a self-proclaimed "horse lover", there is indeed something for everyone at this year's Hoosier Horse Fair Expo - spread out throughout the Fairgrounds today through Sunday, April 11. Just to give you an idea....where else can you find:

1.) A hippie on a horse - making jumps and galloping about in a "faux fro", glasses and tie-dye tee straight out of 'That 70s Show'

2.) A myriad of bejeweled and bedecked saddles

3.) Cute ponies and their even cuter riders

4.) Lots of cowboys sporting their cowboy hats

5.) Cowboy boots - ALL shapes, sizes, colors, you name it...I found these cute-as-button boots - perfect for my babies, but come with deep pockets. These were nearly $50 per pair.

6.) Fashionable headwear for horses? Who knew?!

7.) Hydropedes. What? I just wanted to throw this guy in the mix - he tried so hard to sell me on some comfort soles. Probably took pity on my 6 months pregnant belly and decided I was definitely in the market for padded soles. Didn't make the sell though...sorry Hydropede fella!

8.) The world's biggest rocking horse in the Kids Corral. Got kids? They'll love this.

9.) A huge assortment of horse coloring pages - also located in the Kid's Corral. Bring your young'uns and prepare to color till your heart's content.

10.) And, of course, lots of horse competitions: dressage, horsemanship ,showmanship, groom and clean - even a rodeo thrown in for fun.

And this is just the tip of the proverbial equine iceburg. There's something for everyone at this year's Hoosier Horse Fair - a real extravanganza. You won't want to miss it. Visit Hoosier Horse Fair Expo for more information.

Submitted by Angie Foreman

Just Green It

Green, Green, Green. It’s a buzz word I know you’re hearing a lot right now. But, what does it really mean - to “be green?” Is it just a matter of recycling your paper and plastics? Perhaps it’s referring to composting your kitchen waste instead of tossing it in the trash? Or, maybe it’s taking a shorter shower to conserve a little water. Truly, it’s all of these things and so much more. You really can BE as green as you want. But, maybe you just need a little guidance - a push in the right “green” direction.

Well, mark your calendars, the first ever Greenfest Indy 2010 is heading to the Toyota Expo Hall from March 26th to the 28th.

According to Tina Jesson with Green Fest Expos, Inc., event organizer and promoter, “the expo’s purpose is to take green mainstream with the aim of informing, educating, and connecting businesses with consumers in our community.” Ultimately, the goal is to “be a little greener everyday.”

Promoters also hope the festival will create greater public awareness and easy access to resources available in Indianapolis and surrounding areas by hosting passionate individuals, green and eco-freindly businesses, and non-profit groups who are taking a small step in “being a little greener everyday. “

Many fun and family-friendly exhibits will be available along with educators, vendors with healthy food options, and community activities for kids and grown-ups alike.

Speakers include TV personality and Green Living Expert, Sara Snow. You may remember her from her early days as a Fox-59 morning news anchor? Now a best selling author of Sara Snow’s Fresh Living and host of the Discovery Channel’s “Get Fresh with Sara Snow”, Sara will share her enviable green living expertise with all attendees. Also speaking is Timothy Gray, an architect, educator and environmental advocate with extensive expertise in sustainable design.

Though this is the first of its kind in Indianapolis, promoters anticipate attendance will reach over 10,000 for the three day event. Expo sponsorships will be split into five Zone areas: Reduce It, Recycle It, Re-Use It, Re-new, Green Businesses & Jobs, Organic & Health. If you are interested in more information, please visit www.greenfestindy.com.

Submitted by Angie Foreman