Indiana State Fair edition. Plus, Are you Gene Simmons’ child?

Dear Play Listers,The Indiana State Fair kicks off Friday. Are you even ready?I made a quick primer so that you don’t get caught crying helplessly over corn on the cob.First: If you want discounts on admission tickets, parking passes and ride wristbands, you have to buy before 11:59 p.m. Aug. 6.Next, old-timey is in — a VHS revival, a state fair train and a big tent circus were announced as part of this year’s experience. Feeling like it’s been a long time since your last fair? Here’s a reminder of what it sounds like to be there, in close proximity to beautiful animals, people of all walks of life and delicious corndogs. My advice to you is don’t sleep on the vegetable art. It features everything from the Loch Ness Monster to cute clown pumpkins. What we’ll see this year has me on the edge of my seat.Lastly, Gene Simmons and his band will perform on Aug. 20. He told WISH TV that he’s been around for 50 years, so if he has any children running around in Indy, to “please come up and say hi.”Get more Indianapolis arts and culture coverage at MirrorIndy.org/Arts.You can also subscribe to get the Play List email newsletter.