Indiana State Fair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indiana State Fair |
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Main Street during the 2015 Indiana State Fair
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| Status | Active |
| Genre | State fair |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center |
| Location(s) | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Coordinates | 39°49′47.82″N 86°8′3.68″W / 39.8299500°N 86.1343556°W |
| Country | U.S. |
| Years active | 1852–1860; 1865–1916; 1919–1941; 1945–2019; 2021– |
| Inaugurated | October 20, 1852 |
| Previous event | July 29–August 21, 2022 |
| Next event | July 28–August 20, 2023 |
| Attendance |  837,568 (2022) |
| Leader | Cynthia Hoye (executive director) |
| Organized by | Indiana State Fair Commission |
The Indiana State Fair is a big yearly event in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. It lasts for 18 days in July and August. The first fair was held in 1852 at Military Park. This makes it the sixth oldest state fair in the United States.
It's the biggest event in Indiana. Every year, between 730,000 and 980,000 people visit the fair. In 2015, USA Today readers voted it one of the top ten state fairs in the country.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center has been the home of the fair since 1892. It is about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of downtown Indianapolis. The fairgrounds cover 214 acres (87 ha) and have 72 buildings. There is also a grandstand with 6,000 seats and a 1 mile (1.6 km) racetrack. The fairgrounds are used all year for many other events. These include trade shows, sports, and concerts.
Contents
History of the Fair
How the Fair Started
In 1851, Indiana's Governor Joseph Wright wanted to help farming grow. So, the state government created the State Board of Agriculture. A main goal of this board was to start an Indiana State Fair. Indiana was the sixth state to begin holding a yearly farming fair.
The very first Indiana State Fair happened from October 20–22, 1852. It was held at what is now Military Park in Indianapolis. In 1860, the fair moved to a new spot. This new location was about 38 acres (15 ha) along Alabama Street, north of the city.
Fair During Wartime
During the American Civil War, the fairgrounds were used as Camp Morton. This was a prison camp for soldiers captured from the Confederate side. In 1864, a special fair was held to raise money for soldiers. In 1865, the fair was held in Fort Wayne.
The fair finally opened at its current home on East 38th Street on September 19, 1892. Since then, the fair has always been held in Indianapolis. Other cities in Indiana hosted the fair in the 1800s. These included Lafayette (1853) and Fort Wayne (1865).
The fair was not held in 1917 and 1918 because of World War I. It was also canceled from 1942 to 1944 due to World War II.
Important Events in the 20th Century
On October 31, 1963, a propane tank exploded at the Indiana State Fair Coliseum. This sad event caused 81 deaths and injured about 400 people. It was a very serious accident in Indianapolis history.
Fair in the 21st Century
Historically, the fair lasted 12 days. But it was made longer to 17 days from 2009 to 2019. In 2021, it was expanded to 18 days.
On August 13, 2011, strong winds caused the stage roof to collapse. This happened just before the band Sugarland was going to play. Seven people died and 58 were injured. After this, concerts were moved indoors to the Fairgrounds Coliseum. During renovations in 2013, events were held at other venues. The coliseum reopened in 2014.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the fair to be canceled in 2020. The fair returned in 2021 with some social distancing rules. However, masks were not required.
Competitions and Fun
Fair Competitions
Many different competitions happen at the Indiana State Fair each year. The 4-H program has a big part in the fair. Young 4-H members compete in many areas. These include showing livestock, making crafts, and gardening. Winners from county fairs can go on to the state fair. State fair winners can sometimes even go to national competitions. They can win scholarships and other prizes.
Other contests also take place. There are art contests and a hot air balloon race. High school marching bands also compete on "Band Day". Adults can also enter competitions related to farming.
Racing at the Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds have a mile-long oval track. Car races have been held here for over 100 years. Famous car races like the Hoosier Hundred used to take place here. However, the track is being changed. It will become a track for harness racing, which uses horses pulling carts. This change also creates more parking space for the fair.
Entertainment at the Fair
The Midway
The Midway is where you find all the amusement park rides and games. Visitors can buy tickets for single rides. Or, they can get wristbands for unlimited rides. The Midway rides are usually open from noon until late evening.
Live Performances
Many famous entertainers have performed at the Indiana State Fair. On September 3, 1964, The Beatles played two sold-out shows. Nearly 30,000 people came to see them. In 1989, New Kids on the Block set a record. They had 18,509 audience members at the Grandstand. The fair also features Latino/Hispanic entertainment.
Presidential Visits
Many U.S. Presidents have visited the Indiana State Fair. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech to 40,000 people. Over the years, Presidents like George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have all made appearances.
Fair Attendance
| Year | Attendance | Year | Attendance | Year | Attendance | Year | Attendance |
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| 1988 | 571,230 | 1998 | 728,724 |
2008 | 859,600 |
2018 |  860,131 |
| 1989 | 593,676 |
1999 | 748,204 |
2009 | 973,902 |
2019 | 878,857 |
| 1990 | 639,335 |
2000 | 754,410 |
2010 | 950,000 |
2020 | canceled |
| 1991 | 676,693 |
2001 | 731,592 |
2011 | 872,312 |
2021 | 830,390 |
| 1992 | 722,218 |
2002 | 796,431 |
2012 | 853,941 |
2022 | 837,568 |
| 1993 | 689,924 |
2003 | 878,114 |
2013 | 978,296 |
2023 | 840,414 |
| 1994 | 672,872 |
2004 | 900,365 |
2014 | 954,884 |
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| 1995 | 591,680 |
2005 | 820,248 |
2015 | 907,000 |
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| 1996 | 701,021 |
2006 | 870,052 |
2016 | 731,543 |
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| 1997 | 673,167 |
2007 | 746,421 |
2017 | 906,732 |
See also
- State fair#List of state fairs
- List of attractions and events in Indianapolis
