For the first time in six years, the Indiana State Fair began its opening day with a Hot Air Balloon Launch at sunrise. The enormous, colorful balloons lifted off from the infield of the race track in front of hundreds of fans of all ages.
As the balloons took flight they slowly drifted to the north. Some landed in a nearby field, just outside the fairgrounds. Others took longer excursions.
Shortly after the balloon launch, Gov. Mike Pence officially declared the Indiana State Fair open during a ceremony in the newly-renovated coliseum.
