Indiana State Fair event highlights

Fred Wolfe, left, of Detroit, Jeremy Oswalt, of Geneva, Bill Zowd, of Munice, Andy Kern, of Alexandria, and Tim Biddinger, of Columbus, sing the song "Girl Happy" in the dressing trailer before last year's Indiana State Fair Elvis Impersonator Contest (Credit: Kevin Martin)

You might think the Indiana State Fair is all about waddling hither and to and stuffing your face with fried goodies. And it is. But the fair also is about sheer adrenaline-boosting competition -- man vs. man, man vs. cow, tractor vs. tractor, dog vs. Frisbee. The Indiana State Fair has more action than ESPN (which, by the way, is coming to the fair to film the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, Aug. 7-8). Because the fair is so rife with rivalry, we're highlighting the events most likely to get your competitive juices going.

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, Aug. 7-8, Celebration Park. It's a dog-eat-dog world. These super-pooches compete in freestyle flying disc, diving dog, Jack Russell racing, agility and 60 weave-pole racing. The competition, now in its 12th year, will be taped and televised via ABC/ESPN.

Hedrick's Racing Pigs, 11.a.m., 1, 3, 5 and 7.p.m. daily, Riley Fun Park. These little piggies really shake the bacon during this daily show, featuring pig callers and the athletic porkers they holler at down the "ham stretch."

Break Dance Battle, 5 to 9.p.m. Aug. 8, WFMS Free Stage. The robot, the worm and the head spin will (we hope) all make appearances as dancers statewide "break it down." The format is a 3 vs. 3 crew competition; first prize is $300.

Assorted livestock competitions, Aug. 7-23, several locations. Traditionally speaking, these are the real competitions of the fair. Whether they're pets or meat, you get to see amazing farm animals trotted out and judged.

Hispanic/Latino State Fair Salsa Contest, 1 to 9.p.m. Aug..9, Celebration Park. As the fair celebrates the Year of the Tomato, what better way to show it than a salsa contest? Oh, not that kind of salsa? Watch as 12 hot couples compete for cash.

Spam Open Judging, 11.a.m. Aug. 13, Home and Family Arts Main Stage. Contestants will cook up their best SPAM delights for a chance at culinary glory, cash and a trip to the 2010 Waikiki Spam Jam event.

Baton Twirling Competition, 10.a.m. to 5.p.m. Aug. 14, Farm Bureau Building. The best of Indiana's twirlers go up against each other in this highly skilled competition.

Pumpkin Sculpting Contest, 2.p.m. Aug. 14, Ball State Ag/Hort Building. It's not Halloween yet, but so what. Watch Chef's Academy folks put pumpkins under the knife and present their works of art.

Traditional Arts Indiana State Fair Fiddle Contest, 9.a.m. to 3.p.m. Aug. 15, Pioneer Village Opry House. Listen to the sweet bluegrass, Western and old-time sounds as Indiana's best fiddlers compete in front of judges.

4-H Cat Show and Cat Action Demos, 10.a.m. to 3.p.m. (show at 11.a.m.) Aug. 10, Farm Bureau Building. Why should dogs have all the fun? Probably because competitions are more fun for dogs, but we sure love watching cats of all breeds compete for ribbons they'll only bat around, given the chance.

Giant Pumpkin Contest Weigh-off, 10.a.m. to noon Aug..15, Tomato Patch Gift Shop. Though broadly proclaimed as the Year of the Tomato, the 2009 State Fair also will yield a giant pumpkin. Local celeb Don Stuck of X103 joined the field of contenders after a Kentuckian won one year. "Wanting to guard your hometown is what finally got me into growing," he says. "I like taking home blue ribbons." If you ever wondered what 1,100 pounds of squash looked like (last year's winner was 1,140 pounds), this is your chance.

Liar's Contest by Storytelling Arts of Indiana, 5.p.m. Aug. 16, Pioneer Village Opry House. We're rarely encouraged to lie, but when Indiana residents get a chance to tell their biggest tall tales (in 3 to 5 minutes), the results will be amazing. Registration starts at 4.p.m.

Viking Fashion Show Judging, 2.p.m. Aug. 16, Home and Family Arts Mainstage. Yes, there is fashion at the State Fair and no, it's not all airbrushed. Judges from Husqvarna and Viking are looking for the complete look, so fairgoers can pick up fashion tips just by watching.

Rooster Crowing Contest, Aug..18-20 (finals at 4.p.m. Aug..20), Poultry and Rabbit Barn. There are few earned titles more impressive than "Best Rooster Crower." Try your hand, or rather, vocal cords, at the call of the rooster, or watch as other people crow away.

Indiana State Fair Celebrity Tomato Toss Contest, 3.p.m. Aug. 19, Pioneer Village. Often we're tempted to throw tomatoes at celebrities, but this year we get to watch them toss the savory fruits at a bull's-eye. Celebrities, such as first lady Cheri Daniels and local media personalities, will vie to be named Tomato Toss Titan.

Celebrity Cow Milking, 11:30.a.m. Aug. 19, Livestock Nursery. Be warned, competitors: First lady Daniels has her eye on this one. "I'm not a very competitive person, so I mostly enjoy the camaraderie with my fellow participants," she says. "However, I was rather proud of my blue ribbon from the cow-milking competition two years ago. I wouldn't mind earning another." Watch as assorted celebs work themselves up to the task of squishing milk from the udders of a cow.

Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant, noon, Aug. 23, Pepsi Coliseum. It's a day of smudged mascara and maintaining poise through flubbed questions as women under 21 compete for the coveted title of Miss Indiana State Fair.

Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, 1.p.m. daily, Ball State Ag/Hort Building. What is it with the State Fair and spitting? Catch the saliva-filled action every day and hop in on the action to win the honors of the day.

Cricket Spitting, spur of the moment -- so watch for it, underneath the Grandstand. This one, hosted by Purdue entomology professor Tom Turpina, admittedly makes us a little lightheaded, but sometimes you just have to take the plunge, put a bug in your mouth and propel it as far as it will go.

Elvis Impersonator Contest, 1 to 5.p.m. Aug. 23, Farm Bureau Building. Watch as entrants get judged on vocals, originality, appearance and delivery, all in tribute to the King -- and the $2,500 cash prize. Sign up to enter at elviscontest.com or just swing by and watch.