INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): The 17-day run of the Indiana State Fair is underway. 

Governor Pence, First Lady Karen Pence and Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann were on hand for the opening ceremonies of what's billed as “The Year of the Farmer.” 

State Fair director Cindy Hoye was backed by a cloudless blue sky and an army of 4-H'ers and FFA members as she raised an opening toast “to dry skies [and] happy Hoosiers.” 

Pence and other speakers say the “Year of the Farmer” designation is particularly timely as farmers struggle to shake off two months of drenching rain. The state is seeking federal disaster assistance in more than half its 92 counties. 

The fair will also be a showcase for the state's new “Indiana Grown” initiative, which puts a state-approved label on food products grown, processed or manufactured in Indiana.