Indiana State Fair Information
The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center offers modern event facilities in a historical setting. The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center first opened in 1892 and has hosted more than 115 Indiana State Fairs. Prior to 1892, the first 40 Indiana State Fairs were held at rotating sites around the state.
In 1990, the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center began its present existence as a year-round events center. Since that time, many of our venues have undergone renovations and upgrades that have continued to bring modern comforts to the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center’s ability to be a great site for conventions, consumer shows, conferences, sports, concerts, fairs, exhibitions, meetings, weddings, banquets and retreats.
Laid out over 250 acres, the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is home to more than 1,000,000 square feet of event space and offers the most flexible event venues in the state of Indiana.
The Indiana State Fair Commission oversees management of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and the Indiana State Fair. Click Here to view the members of the ISFC.
The Indiana State Fair Board advises and assists with planning the Indiana State Fair. Click Here to view the members of the ISFB.
ISDA Locations
Normandy Barn: Located on the north side of the fairgrounds, the Normandy Barn will be home to interactive exhibits showcasing the importance of Indiana agriculture to everyday life. Guests will be able to learn about new aspects of agriculture and catch a preview of some of Indiana’s agritourism destinations. Visitors will also be able to use the Augmented Reality Sandbox, which allows people to create colorful topographic maps demonstrating the relationship between soil and water.
Ag Hort Building: Fairgoers will be able to purchase a variety of products in the Indiana Grown Marketplace, and then see a cooking demonstration featuring Indiana Grown products at noon on the Culinary Stage. Visitors will also be able to sample products from members in the building while kids can explore food and agriculture in the creation station area, filled with fun and educational activities.
Indiana FFA Pavilion: Join the 200,000 fairgoers that visit the 25,000 square foot Indiana FFA Pavilion annually. Here, visitors will be able to play a round of miniature golf, explore the children’s barnyard or shop the Country Market, and children can have fun in the interactive play areas.
Pathway to Water Quality: Pathway to Water Quality is an excellent watershed demonstration site that shows how proper management practices at home, on the farm and in business can improve soil health and water quality. The exhibit is managed by the Indiana Conservation Partnership in conjunction with ISDA.
State Fair Board Election Information
ISDA is seeking delegates to vote in the District 4 State Fair Board election. Agricultural organizations must first certify with ISDA by July 1 to be eligible to vote in the district election. Below are the eligibility requirements:
- The organization has an agricultural interest, including an agricultural youth or agricultural educational interest that is regularly organized in the state and that represents, supports, or promotes the career, educational, and leadership development of Indiana youth.
- Is regularly organized within the state.
- Has at least ten (10) active members.
- Has elected officers.
- Has been in existence for at least one (1) year before the application for certification is filed with the director of the Indiana state department of agriculture.
If your organization meets the criteria above and are interested in sending a delegate to vote, the organization must submit a certification application to ISDA by July 1 to be eligible for consideration.
The following counties are located in State Fair District 4: Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Jay, Johnson, Madison, Randolph, Rush, Shelby, Tipton, Union, Wayne. (See State Fair Board District Map for view of all districts.)
State Fair Board elections take place in September each year with the newly elected board member filling the position Oct. 1.
Certification Application and other Documents
Organization Certification Application (Due by July 1)
Please send completed certification applications to the email or mailing address in the information below:
Attn: Quinton Hayes
E-mail: communications@isda.in.gov
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
1 North Capital Avenue, Ste. 600
Indianapolis, IN 46204