ISA’s Glass Barn among state fair items at Jingle Rails display 

By Amie Simpson 

A favorite Hoosier holiday tradition has returned and is available now until Jan. 15. Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum consists of nine G-scale trains crafted out of natural materials and decorated with holiday decorations and lighting. 

This Christmas display is sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the state’s soybean checkoff program. 

The Indiana State Fairgrounds is one of the more popular displays in Jingle Rails, which includes a custom-built model of The Glass Barn, ISA mascot Bennie the Bean and the Normandy Barn. 

The Glass Barn, unveiled at the 2013 Indiana State Fair, is the premier destination for educating Hoosiers about soybean farming. It uses engaging displays including a combine simulator, programs with farmers, and games to teach people about modern soybean farms. 

“The Glass Barn is something that Indiana soybean farmers take pride in as an iconic piece of the State Fairgrounds,” said Ben Linder, ISA consumer outreach manager. “Hoosiers recognize the unique building and can share that amazing agricultural and educational artwork in the Jingle Rails exhibit.” 

The exhibit is open from Nov. 18 through Jan. 15 and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Eiteljorg President and CEO Kathryn Haigh said, “Visiting Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum is a cherished holiday tradition each year for so many families in Indianapolis and around the state. This season, we are excited to offer extended evening hours on select dates in December so more guests can attend and experience this wonderful holiday attraction, which entertains and fascinates our youngest and oldest visitors alike. We look forward to welcoming back returning visitors and meeting new ones at what has become one of Indianapolis’ most beloved holiday attractions.” 

Starting Dec. 16, the museum will stay open until 7 p.m. on select days so guests have more opportunities to explore the display. The extended hours will be available Dec. 16-17, Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30. 

A cultural pillar for 34 years in downtown Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum aims to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the arts, histories, and cultures of the Native peoples of North America and of the American West. For more about the museum, go online to www.eiteljorg.org 

For more about ISA, click here.