Jump to content

Indiana State Fair: Difference between revisions

Add links
Coordinates: 39°49′47.82″N 86°8′3.68″W / 39.8299500°N 86.1343556°W / 39.8299500; -86.1343556
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Reverted 2 edits by 172.4.55.154 (talk): The fair was not held in 2020, so the most recent year is 2019 and there are no stats for 2020
m Reverted edits by 2600:381:C640:24CC:41CA:6BAF:3A87:C067 (talk) to last version by AnomieBOT
(36 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Annual fair held in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = May 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}

{{Use American English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox recurring event |name= Indiana State Fair
{{Infobox recurring event
| name = Indiana State Fair
| native_name =
|logo=
| native_name_lang =
|image= Indiana State Fair.jpg
| nickname =
|caption= Entrance to the Midway at the Indiana State Fair
| logo = Indiana State Fair Logo.png
|frequency = Annual
| logo_alt =
|venue= [[Indiana State Fairgrounds]]
| logo_caption =
|location= [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]
| logo_size =
|years_active= 1852–1860; 1865–1916; 1919–1941; 1945–2019; 2021–
| image = COLISEUMedited.jpg
|first= October 20–22, 1852
| image_size =
|last= August 2–18, 2019
| alt =
|next= August 6–22, 2021
| caption = Main Street during the 2015 Indiana State Fair
|attendance= 878,857 <small>(2019)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibj.com/lists/most-popular-indianapolis-area-attractions|title=Most Popular Indianapolis-Area Attractions|publisher=Indianapolis Business Journal|access-date=November 11, 2020}}</ref>
| status = Active<!-- e.g. defunct, active, inactive ... -->
|genre= [[State fair]]
| genre = [[State fair]]<!-- e.g. natural phenomena, fairs, festivals, conferences, exhibitions ... -->
|website= [http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/index.html Official website]
| date = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|mm|dd}} "dates=" also works, but do not use both -->
| begins = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|mm|dd}} -->
| ends = <!-- {{end date|YYYY|mm|dd}} -->
| frequency = Annually<!-- Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually, Annually, Bi-annually, 2nd Tuesday of November, etc. -->
| venue = Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
| location = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]
| coordinates = {{coord|39|49|47.82|N|86|8|3.68|W|type:event|display=inline,title}}
| country = U.S.
| years_active = 1852–1860; 1865–1916; 1919–1941; 1945–2019; 2021–<!-- {{age|YYYY|mm|dd}} Date of the first occurrence -->
| first = {{Start date and age|1852|10|20}}
| founder_name = <!-- or | founders = -->
| last =
| prev = July 28–August 20, 2023<ref name="IBJ">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=August 24, 2022 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/indiana-state-fair-attendance-up-slightly-from-a-year-ago |title=Indiana State Fair attendance up slightly from a year ago |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=August 27, 2022}}</ref>
| next = August 2–August 18, 2024<ref name="IBJ"/>
| participants =
| attendance = {{increase}} 837,568 (2022)<ref name="IBJ"/>
| capacity =
| area =
| budget =
| activity =
| leader_name = Cynthia Hoye (executive director)<ref name="IBJ"/>
| patron =
| organized = Indiana State Fair Commission
| filing =
| people =
| member =
| sponsor = <!-- | or sponsors = -->
| website = {{URL|indianastatefair.com}}
| current =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
The '''Indiana State Fair''' is an annual [[state fair]] that spans 18 days in July and August<ref name="IBJ"/> in [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], U.S. The Indiana State Fair debuted in 1852 at [[Military Park (Indianapolis)|Military Park]] in Indianapolis and is the sixth oldest state fair in the U.S.<ref name="Boomhower">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana State Fair and Fairgrounds |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Boomhower |first1=Ray |last2=Weintraut |first2=Linda B. |last3=Erickson |first3=Norma |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-state-fair-and-fairgrounds/ |access-date=August 28, 2022}}</ref> It is the largest event in the state,<ref>{{cite report |author= |date=June 10, 2022 |title=Indiana State Fair Commission 2021 Annual Report |url=http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/publications/agency/reports/sfac/ |publisher=Indiana State Fair Commission |page=4 |access-date=August 28, 2022}}</ref> drawing between 730,000 and 980,000 visitors annually since 2010.<ref name="IBJ"/> In 2015, readers of ''[[USA Today]]'' ranked the Indiana State Fair among the ten best state fairs in the country.<ref>{{cite web |date=2015 |title=Best State Fairs: 2015 10 Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards |url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-state-fair/ |access-date=August 28, 2022 |website=10Best USA Today |language=en}}</ref>
[[Image:IndianaStateFair.jpg|thumb|right|A view of some of the fair grounds]]
[[Image:IndianaStateFairMidway.jpg|right|thumb|A portion of the [[Midway (fair)|midway]] on the fair grounds]]
[[Image:IndianaStateFair-150Year.jpg|right|thumb|A building designed as a [[birthday cake]] in honor of the 150th anniversary of the fair in 2006]]

The '''Indiana State Fair''' is an annual fair held in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], usually in August. The first fair was held in October 1852, on the grounds of what became known as [[Military Park (Indianapolis)|Military Park]]. The first Indiana State Fair on its present site along East 38th Street was held in 1892.


The '''Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center''' has been the host site of the fair since 1892. Located about {{convert|4|mi|km}} north of [[downtown Indianapolis]], it encompasses {{convert|214|acre}}, 72 buildings, a 6,000-seat grandstand, and a {{convert|1|mi|km|adj=on}} racetrack. The complex is home to year-round tenants and is used throughout the year for a variety of other gatherings, including trade shows, sporting events, and concerts.<ref name="Boomhower"/>
The state fair buildings and grounds are used for a variety of other shows when the fair is not being held. The largest building at the fairgrounds is the [[Indiana Farmers Coliseum]]. The fairgrounds are at the northwest corner of 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway.


==History==
==History==
===Beginnings===
===19th century===
[[File:1874 Indiana State Fair LC.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Advertisement for the 1874 state fair]]
In February 1851, at the urging of agricultural promoter [[Governor of Indiana|Governor]] [[Joseph A. Wright|Wright]], the [[Indiana General Assembly]] passed an act intended "to encourage agriculture" growth in the state, which also included the formation of a State Board of Agriculture. A primary goal of the Board was to organize an Indiana State Fair. On October 20&ndash;22, 1852, Indiana's first state fair was held on the grounds of what became known as [[Military Park (Indianapolis)|Military Park]], west of downtown Indianapolis. In 1860 a new location for the fairgrounds was established on approximately {{convert|38|acre}} along Alabama Street, north of the city.<ref>{{cite book | author = David J. Bodenhamer and Robert G. Barrows, eds.|title =The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis | publisher =Indiana University Press | year =1994 | location =Bloomington and Indianapolis | page =1481| isbn =978-0-253-31222-8}}; {{cite book | author = Ignatius Brown | title =Logan's History of Indianapolis from 1818 | publisher =Logan and Company | year =1868 | location =Indianapolis | page =[https://archive.org/details/loganshistoryofi00brow/page/n132 64] | url =https://archive.org/details/loganshistoryofi00brow}}; and {{cite book | last =Holloway | first = W. R.| title =Indianapolis: A Historical and Statistical Sketch of the Railroad City, A Chronicle of its Social, Municipal, Commercial and Manufacturing Progress with Full Statistical Tables | publisher =Indianapolis Journal | year =1870 | location =Indianapolis | page =112 | ol = 7229155M}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Indiana State Fair History|url=http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/2008/09/11/the-indiana-state-fair-history/|publisher=FunCityFinder.com|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref> Indiana became the sixth state to begin holding an annual statewide agricultural fair.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}
In February 1851, at the urging of [[Governor of Indiana|Governor]] [[Joseph A. Wright|Joseph Wright]], the [[Indiana General Assembly]] passed an act intended "to encourage agriculture" growth in the state, which also included the formation of a State Board of Agriculture. A primary goal of the board was to organize an Indiana State Fair. Indiana was the sixth state to begin holding an annual statewide agricultural fair.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}} On October 20&ndash;22, 1852, Indiana's first state fair was held on the grounds of what is now [[Military Park (Indianapolis)|Military Park]], west of downtown Indianapolis. In 1860 a new location for the fairgrounds was established on approximately {{convert|38|acre}} along Alabama Street, north of the city.<ref>{{cite book | editor = David J. Bodenhamer and Robert G. Barrows|title =The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis | publisher =Indiana University Press | year =1994 | location =Bloomington and Indianapolis | page =1481| isbn =978-0-253-31222-8}}; {{cite book | author = Ignatius Brown | title =Logan's History of Indianapolis from 1818 | publisher =Logan and Company | year =1868 | location =Indianapolis | page =[https://archive.org/details/loganshistoryofi00brow/page/n132 64] | url =https://archive.org/details/loganshistoryofi00brow}}; and {{cite book | last =Holloway | first = W. R.| title =Indianapolis: A Historical and Statistical Sketch of the Railroad City, A Chronicle of its Social, Municipal, Commercial and Manufacturing Progress with Full Statistical Tables | publisher =Indianapolis Journal | year =1870 | location =Indianapolis | page =112 | ol = 7229155M}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Indiana State Fair History|url=http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/2008/09/11/the-indiana-state-fair-history/|publisher=FunCityFinder.com|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>


During the [[Indiana in the American Civil War|American Civil War]], the county fairgrounds was converted into [[Camp Morton]], a prison camp for captured [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] soldiers. During the war years no state fair was held, but it was resumed again in 1865 and held in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]]. The gates opened at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on East 38th Street for the first time on September 19, 1892. Since then, the fair has continually been held in Indianapolis.
During the [[Indiana in the American Civil War|American Civil War]], the county fairgrounds was converted into [[Camp Morton]], a prison camp for captured [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] soldiers. In 1864, a [[Sanitary fair#Indianapolis, 1864|sanitary fair]] was held as part of the larger state fair.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indiana State and Sanitary Fairs |url=https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=DSS18641004.1.3&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN------- |agency=Daily State Sentinel |date=4 Oct 1864}}</ref> In 1865, the fair was held in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]]. The gates opened at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on East 38th Street for the first time on September 19, 1892. Since then, the fair has continually been held in Indianapolis.


The State Fair has been held in Indianapolis for the majority of its existence but other Indiana cities hosted the event during the mid-19th century:<ref>{{cite web|title=2011 Indiana State Fair|url=http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/history.html|publisher=in.gov|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>
The Indiana State Fair has been held in Indianapolis for the majority of its existence. Other Indiana cities hosted the event during the 19th century, including [[Lafayette, Indiana|Lafayette]] (1853); [[Madison, Indiana|Madison]] (1854); [[New Albany, Indiana|New Albany]] (1859); Fort Wayne (1865); and [[Terre Haute, Indiana|Terre Haute]] (1867).<ref>{{cite web|title=2011 Indiana State Fair|url=http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/history.html|publisher=in.gov|access-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>
* 1853 - [[Lafayette, Indiana|Lafayette]]
* 1854 - [[Madison, Indiana|Madison]]
* 1859 - [[New Albany, Indiana|New Albany]]
* 1865 - [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]]
* 1867 - [[Terre Haute, Indiana|Terre Haute]]


===20th Century===
===20th century===
{{Further|1963 Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion}}
There was no fair held in 1917–18 because of [[World War I]] nor from 1942 to 1944 because of [[World War II]].
There was no fair held in 1917 and 1918 because of [[World War I]] nor from 1942 to 1944 because of [[World War II]].


On October 31, 1963, a propane tank exploded in the [[Indiana State Fair Coliseum]], killing 54 at the scene; another 20 died due to their injuries, with a total of 74 people killed. Around another 400 were injured. It is the deadliest disaster in Indianapolis history.<ref>{{cite web|title=StarFiles: The 1963 Colliseum explosion|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/99999999/NEWS06/80817011/StarFiles-1963-Coliseum-explosion|work=IndyStar.com|access-date=August 15, 2011}}</ref>
On October 31, 1963, a propane tank exploded in the [[Indiana State Fair Coliseum]], killing 54 at the scene; another 27 died due to their injuries, with a total of 81 people killed. Around another 400 were injured. It is the deadliest disaster in Indianapolis history.<ref name="Aisle 13">{{Cite book|last=Drabek|first=Thomas E.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fhbj5fgxPTEC|title=What Disaster Response Management Can Learn from Chaos Theory|date=June 1996|publisher=[[California Research Bureau]]|isbn=978-0-7881-4499-8|editor-last=Koehler|editor-first=Gus A.|location=Sacramento, California|pages=42–60|language=en|chapter=Disaster in Aisle 13 Revisited}}</ref>


===21st century===
===21st century===
{{Main|Indiana State Fair stage collapse}}
{{Further|Indiana State Fair stage collapse}}
Historically, the fair lasted 12 days; however, it was expanded to 17 days (2009–2019), and 18 days in 2021.<ref name="IBJ"/>
On August 13, 2011, high winds from an approaching thunderstorm collapsed the roof over the grandstand stage just before [[Sugarland]] was about to perform, killing seven people and injuring 58.<ref name=WSJ>''Wall Street Journal''. Jack Nicas, "[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304356604577339923897959492 Faulty Planning, Stage Cited in Fair Collapse]". April 12, 2012.</ref> Concerts were moved indoors to the [[Fairgrounds Coliseum]], and, during that building's renovation in 2013,events were moved to [[Bankers Life Fieldhouse]] and [[Lucas Oil Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 13, 2012|title=Indiana fair concerts going to expanded coliseum|work=The Herald Bulletin|url=http://heraldbulletin.com/breakingnews/x1929695280/Indiana-fair-concerts-going-to-expanded-coliseum|access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref> The coliseum reopened in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rader|first1=Kevin|date=April 25, 2014|title=Open house shows off newly renovated State Fairgrounds Coliseum|work=[[WTHR]]|url=http://www.wthr.com/story/25329239/2014/04/24/open-house-shows-off-newly-renovated-state-fairgrounds-coliseum|url-status=dead|access-date=June 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714183325/http://www.wthr.com/story/25329239/2014/04/24/open-house-shows-off-newly-renovated-state-fairgrounds-coliseum|archive-date=July 14, 2014|ref=WTHR_reopening}}</ref>


On August 13, 2011, high winds from an approaching thunderstorm collapsed the roof over the grandstand stage just before [[Sugarland]] was about to perform, killing seven people and injuring 58.<ref name=WSJ>''Wall Street Journal''. Jack Nicas, "[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304356604577339923897959492 Faulty Planning, Stage Cited in Fair Collapse]". April 12, 2012.</ref> Concerts were moved indoors to the [[Fairgrounds Coliseum]], and, during that building's renovation in 2013, events were moved to [[Bankers Life Fieldhouse]] and [[Lucas Oil Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 13, 2012|title=Indiana fair concerts going to expanded coliseum|work=The Herald Bulletin|url=http://heraldbulletin.com/breakingnews/x1929695280/Indiana-fair-concerts-going-to-expanded-coliseum|access-date=May 25, 2020}}</ref> The coliseum reopened in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rader|first1=Kevin|date=April 25, 2014|title=Open house shows off newly renovated State Fairgrounds Coliseum|work=[[WTHR]]|url=http://www.wthr.com/story/25329239/2014/04/24/open-house-shows-off-newly-renovated-state-fairgrounds-coliseum|url-status=dead|access-date=June 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714183325/http://www.wthr.com/story/25329239/2014/04/24/open-house-shows-off-newly-renovated-state-fairgrounds-coliseum|archive-date=July 14, 2014|ref=WTHR_reopening}}</ref>
The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] caused the cancellation of the 2020 fair.

The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] caused the cancellation of the 2020 fair. The fair resumed in 2021 with some [[social distancing]] measures, but [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|masks]] were not required.<ref name="COVIDSafety">{{cite web |title=COVID-19 Safety - Indiana State Fair |url=https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair/covid-19-safety |website=www.indianastatefair.com |access-date=13 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="FewMasks">{{cite news |last1=Klein |first1=Dan |title=Few masks at Indiana State Fair, but even people with higher COVID risks can't stay away |url=https://www.wishtv.com/news/coronavirus/few-masks-at-indiana-state-fair-but-even-people-with-higher-covid-risks-cant-stay-away/ |access-date=13 August 2021 |work=WISH-TV {{!}} Indianapolis News {{!}} Indiana Weather {{!}} Indiana Traffic |date=31 July 2021}}</ref>


==Competitions==
==Competitions==
[[File:Sheep judging 2007.jpg|thumb|Sheep judging at the 2007 fair]]
During each annual run of the Indiana State Fair, several competitions take place. The [[4-H]] has a large participation in the fair and competitions are held in numerous areas for 4-H youth members. 4-H winners at county fairs can progress to the state fair with their live-stock, crafts, gardening, or other exhibits. The winner at the state fair can, in some cases, advance to a national competition. The winners receive scholarships and other awards.
During each annual run of the Indiana State Fair, several competitions take place. The [[4-H]] has a large participation in the fair and competitions are held in numerous areas for 4-H youth members. 4-H winners at county fairs can progress to the state fair with their livestock, crafts, gardening, or other exhibits. The winner at the state fair can, in some cases, advance to a national competition. The winners receive scholarships and other awards.


Other competitions also occur including art contests, a hot air balloon race, and a high school marching band contest, the [[Indiana State Fair Band Day]] on "[[Band Day]]". Adult competitions also occur in various farm related categories.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introduction|url=http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/docs/2009/OpenClassIntro09.pdf|publisher=Indiana State Fair Board|access-date=March 11, 2009}}</ref>
Other competitions also occur including art contests, a hot air balloon race, and a high school marching band contest, the [[Indiana State Fair Band Day]] on "[[Band Day]]". Adult competitions also occur in various farm-related categories.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introduction|url=http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/docs/2009/OpenClassIntro09.pdf|publisher=Indiana State Fair Board|access-date=March 11, 2009}}</ref>


The Indiana State Fairgrounds mile-long oval track has hosted auto races for over a century. The [[AAA National Championship]] and [[USAC National Championship]] have hosted Indy car races in 1946 and from 1953 to 1970, traditionally under the name [[Hoosier Hundred]]. The USAC Silver Crown Series has been contesting the event since 1971. However, after the 2019 race, the track will be converted to a harness racing facility with an all-weather surface of crushed limestone. The half-mile dirt track in the infield will also be eliminated to allow more parking for the State Fair and other events.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Hoosier Hundred' to Leave State Fair After Track Conversion|url=http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/40238581/hoosier-hundred-to-leave-state-fair-after-track-conversion|last=Brown|first=Alex|website=www.insideindianabusiness.com|access-date=April 3, 2019}}</ref>
The Indiana State Fairgrounds' mile-long oval track has hosted auto races for over a century. The [[AAA National Championship]] and [[USAC National Championship]] hosted car races in 1946 and from 1953 to 1970, traditionally under the name [[Hoosier Hundred]]. The [[USAC Silver Crown Series]] sanctioned the event since 1971. However, the track will be converted to a harness racing facility with an all-weather surface of crushed limestone. The half-mile dirt track in the infield will also be eliminated to allow more parking for the State Fair and other events.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Alex|title='Hoosier Hundred' to Leave State Fair After Track Conversion|url=http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/40238581/hoosier-hundred-to-leave-state-fair-after-track-conversion|access-date=April 3, 2019|website=www.insideindianabusiness.com}}</ref> The conversion was originally scheduled to occur after the 2019 race, but the conversion was delayed until 2021; the 2021 race was originally scheduled to still be run at the Fairgrounds, but was moved to the [[Terre Haute Action Track]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Richie|first=Murray|date=2021-04-20|title=Sumar Classic Replaces Hoosier Hundred|url=https://www.sprintcarandmidget.com/usac/sumar-classic-replaces-hoosier-hundred/|access-date=2022-02-18|website=Sprint Car & Midget|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Entertainment==
==Entertainment==

===Midway===
===Midway===
[[File:2008 Indiana State Fair 18.jpg|thumb|Entrance to the Indiana State Fair Midway in 2008]]
The Midway is the area of amusement park rides and games. Fairgoers can either buy single-ride tickets or unlimited ride wristbands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/midwest/indiana-state-fair|title=Indiana State Fair}}</ref> Midway rides operate from noon till 10 or 11 p.m depending on the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianastatefair.com/state-fair/tickets-discounts/midway/|title= Midway|publisher=Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center}}</ref>
The Midway is the area of amusement park rides and games. Fairgoers can either buy single-ride tickets or unlimited ride wristbands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/midwest/indiana-state-fair|title=Indiana State Fair|date=October 24, 2022 }}</ref> Midway rides operate from noon until 10 or 11 pm depending on the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianastatefair.com/state-fair/tickets-discounts/midway/|title= Midway|publisher=Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center}}</ref>


===Performances===
===Performances===
Numerous nationally known entertainers have performed at the Indiana State Fair.
Numerous nationally known entertainers have performed at the Indiana State Fair.


In 1964, [[The Beatles]] performed two sold-out shows to nearly 30,000 audience members September 3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/07/31/beatles-indiana-state-fair-1964/13436709/|title=1964: Hoosiers recall Beatles at Indiana State Fair|publisher=USA Today|date=July 31, 2014}}</ref> and, in 1989, [[New Kids on the Block]] set a Grandstand attendance record with 18,509 audience members.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}
On September 3, 1964, [[The Beatles]] performed two sold-out shows to a total audience of nearly 30,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/07/31/beatles-indiana-state-fair-1964/13436709/|title=1964: Hoosiers recall Beatles at Indiana State Fair|publisher=USA Today|date=July 31, 2014}}</ref> and, in 1989, [[New Kids on the Block]] set a Grandstand attendance record with 18,509 audience members.{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}


The fair also presents Latino/Hispanic entertainment for Indiana's Hispanic population.
The fair also presents Latino/Hispanic entertainment for Indiana's Hispanic population.


==Presidential visits==
==Famous visitors==
In 1919, President [[Woodrow Wilson]] gave a speech to a crowd of 40,000 on a day known as "Big Thursday." Over the years, President [[George W. Bush]], President [[Bill Clinton]], President [[John F. Kennedy]], President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], President [[Barack Obama]], and President [[Donald Trump]] have all made appearances at the Fairgrounds.
In 1919, President [[Woodrow Wilson]] gave a speech to a crowd of 40,000 on a day known as "Big Thursday." Over the years, Presidents [[George W. Bush]], [[Bill Clinton]], [[John F. Kennedy]], [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], [[Barack Obama]], and [[Donald Trump]] have all made appearances at the fairgrounds.

==Attendance==
[[File:Aerial view of Indianapolis, Indiana, with a focus on the Indiana State Fairgrounds Speedway auto-racing track.jpg|thumb|Aerial of Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in 2016]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Annual attendance at the Indiana State Fair<br />1988–2023'''<ref name="IBJ"/>
! Year !! Attendance !! Year !! Attendance !! Year !! Attendance !! Year !! Attendance
|-
| 1988||571,230||1998||{{increase}} 728,724||2008||{{increase}} 859,600||2018||{{decrease}} 860,131
|-
| 1989||{{increase}} 593,676||1999||{{increase}} 748,204||2009||{{increase}} 973,902||2019||{{increase}} 878,857
|-
| 1990||{{increase}} 639,335||2000||{{increase}} 754,410||2010||{{decrease}} 950,000||2020||''canceled''
|-
| 1991||{{increase}} 676,693||2001||{{decrease}} 731,592||2011||{{decrease}} 872,312||2021||{{decrease}} 830,390
|-
| 1992||{{increase}} 722,218||2002||{{increase}} 796,431||2012||{{decrease}} 853,941||2022||{{increase}} 837,568
|-
| 1993||{{decrease}} 689,924||2003||{{increase}} 878,114||2013||{{increase}} 978,296||2023||{{increase}} 840,414
|-
| 1994||{{decrease}} 672,872||2004||{{increase}} 900,365||2014||{{decrease}} 954,884
|-
| 1995||{{decrease}} 591,680||2005||{{decrease}} 820,248||2015||{{decrease}} 907,000
|-
| 1996||{{increase}} 701,021||2006||{{increase}} 870,052||2016||{{decrease}} 731,543
|-
| 1997||{{decrease}} 673,167||2007||{{decrease}} 746,421||2017||{{increase}} 906,732
|}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Indiana}}
{{Portal|Indiana}}
*[[State fair#List of state fairs]]
*[[List of attractions and events in Indianapolis]]
*[[List of attractions and events in Indianapolis]]


{{-}}
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Indiana State Fair}}
*[http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/index.html Official site]
* [http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/index.html Official site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818063400/http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/index.html |date=August 18, 2007 }}
*[https://blog.history.in.gov/?p=3340 "Indiana State Fair Highlights: Velocipedes, Lady Aviators, and “Better” Babies"], Indiana Historical Bureau
* [https://blog.history.in.gov/?p=3340 "Indiana State Fair Highlights: Velocipedes, Lady Aviators, and “Better” Babies"], Indiana Historical Bureau


{{Coord|39|49|47.82|N|86|8|3.68|W|display=title}}
{{USAC tracks}}
{{USAC tracks}}
{{USAC Silver Crown race venues}}
{{USAC Silver Crown race venues}}
{{World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series race venues}}
{{World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series race venues}}

{{authority control}}



[[Category:Indiana State Fair| ]]
[[Category:Indiana State Fair| ]]

Revision as of 13:10, 13 August 2024

Indiana State Fair
Main Street during the 2015 Indiana State Fair
StatusActive
GenreState fair
FrequencyAnnually
VenueIndiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
Location(s)Indianapolis, Indiana
Coordinates39°49′47.82″N 86°8′3.68″W / 39.8299500°N 86.1343556°W / 39.8299500; -86.1343556
CountryU.S.
Years active1852–1860; 1865–1916; 1919–1941; 1945–2019; 2021–
InauguratedOctober 20, 1852; 172 years ago (1852-10-20)
Previous eventJuly 28–August 20, 2023[1]
Next eventAugust 2–August 18, 2024[1]
AttendanceIncrease 837,568 (2022)[1]
LeaderCynthia Hoye (executive director)[1]
Organized byIndiana State Fair Commission
Websiteindianastatefair.com

The Indiana State Fair is an annual state fair that spans 18 days in July and August[1] in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. The Indiana State Fair debuted in 1852 at Military Park in Indianapolis and is the sixth oldest state fair in the U.S.[2] It is the largest event in the state,[3] drawing between 730,000 and 980,000 visitors annually since 2010.[1] In 2015, readers of USA Today ranked the Indiana State Fair among the ten best state fairs in the country.[4]

The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center has been the host site of the fair since 1892. Located about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of downtown Indianapolis, it encompasses 214 acres (87 ha), 72 buildings, a 6,000-seat grandstand, and a 1-mile (1.6 km) racetrack. The complex is home to year-round tenants and is used throughout the year for a variety of other gatherings, including trade shows, sporting events, and concerts.[2]

History

19th century

Advertisement for the 1874 state fair

In February 1851, at the urging of Governor Joseph Wright, the Indiana General Assembly passed an act intended "to encourage agriculture" growth in the state, which also included the formation of a State Board of Agriculture. A primary goal of the board was to organize an Indiana State Fair. Indiana was the sixth state to begin holding an annual statewide agricultural fair.[citation needed] On October 20–22, 1852, Indiana's first state fair was held on the grounds of what is now Military Park, west of downtown Indianapolis. In 1860 a new location for the fairgrounds was established on approximately 38 acres (15 ha) along Alabama Street, north of the city.[5][6]

During the American Civil War, the county fairgrounds was converted into Camp Morton, a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers. In 1864, a sanitary fair was held as part of the larger state fair.[7] In 1865, the fair was held in Fort Wayne. The gates opened at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on East 38th Street for the first time on September 19, 1892. Since then, the fair has continually been held in Indianapolis.

The Indiana State Fair has been held in Indianapolis for the majority of its existence. Other Indiana cities hosted the event during the 19th century, including Lafayette (1853); Madison (1854); New Albany (1859); Fort Wayne (1865); and Terre Haute (1867).[8]

20th century

Further information: 1963 Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion

There was no fair held in 1917 and 1918 because of World War I nor from 1942 to 1944 because of World War II.

On October 31, 1963, a propane tank exploded in the Indiana State Fair Coliseum, killing 54 at the scene; another 27 died due to their injuries, with a total of 81 people killed. Around another 400 were injured. It is the deadliest disaster in Indianapolis history.[9]

21st century

Further information: Indiana State Fair stage collapse

Historically, the fair lasted 12 days; however, it was expanded to 17 days (2009–2019), and 18 days in 2021.[1]

On August 13, 2011, high winds from an approaching thunderstorm collapsed the roof over the grandstand stage just before Sugarland was about to perform, killing seven people and injuring 58.[10] Concerts were moved indoors to the Fairgrounds Coliseum, and, during that building's renovation in 2013, events were moved to Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium.[11] The coliseum reopened in 2014.[12]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 fair. The fair resumed in 2021 with some social distancing measures, but masks were not required.[13][14]

Competitions

Sheep judging at the 2007 fair

During each annual run of the Indiana State Fair, several competitions take place. The 4-H has a large participation in the fair and competitions are held in numerous areas for 4-H youth members. 4-H winners at county fairs can progress to the state fair with their livestock, crafts, gardening, or other exhibits. The winner at the state fair can, in some cases, advance to a national competition. The winners receive scholarships and other awards.

Other competitions also occur including art contests, a hot air balloon race, and a high school marching band contest, the Indiana State Fair Band Day on "Band Day". Adult competitions also occur in various farm-related categories.[15]

The Indiana State Fairgrounds' mile-long oval track has hosted auto races for over a century. The AAA National Championship and USAC National Championship hosted car races in 1946 and from 1953 to 1970, traditionally under the name Hoosier Hundred. The USAC Silver Crown Series sanctioned the event since 1971. However, the track will be converted to a harness racing facility with an all-weather surface of crushed limestone. The half-mile dirt track in the infield will also be eliminated to allow more parking for the State Fair and other events.[16] The conversion was originally scheduled to occur after the 2019 race, but the conversion was delayed until 2021; the 2021 race was originally scheduled to still be run at the Fairgrounds, but was moved to the Terre Haute Action Track.[17]

Entertainment

Midway

Entrance to the Indiana State Fair Midway in 2008

The Midway is the area of amusement park rides and games. Fairgoers can either buy single-ride tickets or unlimited ride wristbands.[18] Midway rides operate from noon until 10 or 11 pm depending on the day.[19]

Performances

Numerous nationally known entertainers have performed at the Indiana State Fair.

On September 3, 1964, The Beatles performed two sold-out shows to a total audience of nearly 30,000[20] and, in 1989, New Kids on the Block set a Grandstand attendance record with 18,509 audience members.[citation needed]

The fair also presents Latino/Hispanic entertainment for Indiana's Hispanic population.

Presidential visits

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson gave a speech to a crowd of 40,000 on a day known as "Big Thursday." Over the years, Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have all made appearances at the fairgrounds.

Attendance

Aerial of Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in 2016
Annual attendance at the Indiana State Fair
1988–2023[1]
Year Attendance Year Attendance Year Attendance Year Attendance
1988 571,230 1998 Increase 728,724 2008 Increase 859,600 2018 Decrease 860,131
1989 Increase 593,676 1999 Increase 748,204 2009 Increase 973,902 2019 Increase 878,857
1990 Increase 639,335 2000 Increase 754,410 2010 Decrease 950,000 2020 canceled
1991 Increase 676,693 2001 Decrease 731,592 2011 Decrease 872,312 2021 Decrease 830,390
1992 Increase 722,218 2002 Increase 796,431 2012 Decrease 853,941 2022 Increase 837,568
1993 Decrease 689,924 2003 Increase 878,114 2013 Increase 978,296 2023 Increase 840,414
1994 Decrease 672,872 2004 Increase 900,365 2014 Decrease 954,884
1995 Decrease 591,680 2005 Decrease 820,248 2015 Decrease 907,000
1996 Increase 701,021 2006 Increase 870,052 2016 Decrease 731,543
1997 Decrease 673,167 2007 Decrease 746,421 2017 Increase 906,732

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Indiana State Fair attendance up slightly from a year ago". Indianapolis Business Journal. IBJ Media. August 24, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Boomhower, Ray; Weintraut, Linda B.; Erickson, Norma (2021) [1994]. "Indiana State Fair and Fairgrounds". Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Indianapolis Public Library. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  3. ^ Indiana State Fair Commission 2021 Annual Report (Report). Indiana State Fair Commission. June 10, 2022. p. 4. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  4. ^ "Best State Fairs: 2015 10 Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards". 10Best USA Today. 2015. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  5. ^ David J. Bodenhamer and Robert G. Barrows, ed. (1994). The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press. p. 1481. ISBN 978-0-253-31222-8.; Ignatius Brown (1868). Logan's History of Indianapolis from 1818. Indianapolis: Logan and Company. p. 64.; and Holloway, W. R. (1870). Indianapolis: A Historical and Statistical Sketch of the Railroad City, A Chronicle of its Social, Municipal, Commercial and Manufacturing Progress with Full Statistical Tables. Indianapolis: Indianapolis Journal. p. 112. OL 7229155M.
  6. ^ "Indiana State Fair History". FunCityFinder.com. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  7. ^ "Indiana State and Sanitary Fairs". Daily State Sentinel. October 4, 1864.
  8. ^ "2011 Indiana State Fair". in.gov. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  9. ^ Drabek, Thomas E. (June 1996). "Disaster in Aisle 13 Revisited". In Koehler, Gus A. (ed.). What Disaster Response Management Can Learn from Chaos Theory. Sacramento, California: California Research Bureau. pp. 42–60. ISBN 978-0-7881-4499-8.
  10. ^ Wall Street Journal. Jack Nicas, "Faulty Planning, Stage Cited in Fair Collapse". April 12, 2012.
  11. ^ "Indiana fair concerts going to expanded coliseum". The Herald Bulletin. January 13, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  12. ^ Rader, Kevin (April 25, 2014). "Open house shows off newly renovated State Fairgrounds Coliseum". WTHR. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  13. ^ "COVID-19 Safety - Indiana State Fair". www.indianastatefair.com. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  14. ^ Klein, Dan (July 31, 2021). "Few masks at Indiana State Fair, but even people with higher COVID risks can't stay away". WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  15. ^ "Introduction" (PDF). Indiana State Fair Board. Retrieved March 11, 2009.
  16. ^ Brown, Alex. "'Hoosier Hundred' to Leave State Fair After Track Conversion". www.insideindianabusiness.com. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  17. ^ Richie, Murray (April 20, 2021). "Sumar Classic Replaces Hoosier Hundred". Sprint Car & Midget. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  18. ^ "Indiana State Fair". October 24, 2022.
  19. ^ "Midway". Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.
  20. ^ "1964: Hoosiers recall Beatles at Indiana State Fair". USA Today. July 31, 2014.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Indiana State Fair.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indiana_State_Fair&oldid=1240087290"