The Indiana State Fair is back

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The Indiana State Fair is back

The Indiana State Fair is back after being canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cindy Hoye is the executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission.

“We are so thrilled to be back,” she says. “…This is the 164th great Indiana State Fair and this edition is what everybody loves—the food, rides, livestock, 4-H exhibits— and it’s all here and back for everybody.” 

She tells Brownfield there are several new elements to look for.

“We try to layer in new elements and this year we’re excited about the 150-foot gondola ferris wheel, a new carousel, and the city of bricks, which is a Lego exhibit that is phenomenal,” she says. “There is Forever Forest, an exhibit in the Indiana Farm Bureau building that is brought by the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association. I’m also thrilled that the Glass Barn has a new combine simulation and people are going to love that. Across the fairgrounds and 250-acre campus you’re going to find some of those old traditions that you love and then you’re going to see new food, exhibits, and elements that we bring to you this year.”

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch says “it’s great to be back.”

“To be able to after two years come together as a community and celebrate agriculture has truly been the highlight of my year,” she says.

Crouch, who serves as state secretary of agriculture and rural development, says she’s looking forward to the food.

“I love the different food options and to be able to celebrate agriculture through the food that they produce and the sense of community that is here,” she says. “Farmers are the most incredible people. They are resilient, committed, and optimistic. Even when they’re having bad years they always say ‘next year will be better’ and so it’s uplifting to be around our farmers and our farming community and celebrate agriculture and I’m looking forward to 18 days of celebration.”

The Indiana State Fair began July 30 and will conclude August 22. The fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Hoye says visitors should plan their trip at Indianastatefair.com or download the app. She also suggests starting at the north side of the fairgrounds and working across the campus from there.

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