Indiana State Fair History Spans Generations of Agriculture
In partnership with: Indiana State Department of Agriculture
The Indiana State Fair has seen its share of changes throughout its almost 180-year existence. As the sixth-oldest fair in the U.S., a combination of rich history, world-class entertainment and educational opportunities make it a beloved annual Indiana event for Hoosiers.
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Rooted in Ag
First held in 1852, the fair didn’t have a permanent home for its first 40 years. Instead, it traveled the state for farmers and citizens in different communities to enjoy.
“The primary purpose of fairs in the early years was to bring together farmers to share best practices, showcase and celebrate agriculture, and provide a platform to exhibit their livestock, crops and other products,” says LeRoy Lewis III, director of community and media engagement at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
After outgrowing several locations around Indianapolis and a brief hiatus in 1861 due to the Civil War, the fair found a permanent home in 1892, when the state purchased a dedicated space on what is now 38th Street to hold the event annually.
“The move to the current location was significant as it provided a dedicated space for the fair to expand and evolve,” Lewis says.
Since those early days, the fair has grown exponentially, welcoming more than 800,000 people annually and hosting famous performers, including legends like the Beatles, Elvis and the Jackson 5 to modern-day favorites such as the Jonas Brothers and Rascal Flatts.
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Evolving Spaces
Today, with over a million square feet of event space, the state fairgrounds can host more than 400 events each year. The centerpiece of it all is the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, an enormous multiuse arena built in 1939 that has been expanded and renovated throughout the years.
Yet, some of the fair’s more modest amenities, like the Normandy Barn, hold equal significance. Originally salvaged from the historic Normandy Farm in Traders Point, the barn settled on 38th Street only to be transported again – this time to Pioneer Village, and entirely in one piece. The charming green and white barn showcases Indiana agriculture through interactive exhibits during the state fair.
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Opportunities for Learning
Agriculture is still at the heart of the fair, recognizing agricultural producers from across the state through educational initiatives like Little Hands on the Farm and the Featured Farmers programs.
“The Indiana State Fair continues to play a vital role in uplifting local farmers by providing them with a platform to showcase their products, share knowledge and connect with consumers,” Lewis says.
Steve Howe, owner of Howe Farms in Crown Point, was one of the 2024 Featured Farmers. Each day of the fair, these chosen farmers representing different aspects of Indiana’s agricultural landscape participate in live chats with the public. As a former teacher, Howe welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge with the public.
“One of our biggest values is transparency,” Howe says. “I would love for people to see that there are different ways of doing things.”
The state fair gives farmers like Howe an opportunity to raise awareness of different farming methods and the variety of products available around the state, such as Howe Farms’ pasture-raised meat and their soy- and hormone-free feed line sold through Howe’s new company Heirloom Feeds in partnership with Belstra Milling.
Spanning 15 days in August, the fair continues to provide visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy tasty treats and entertainment while learning about Indiana’s rich agricultural history.
“The Indiana State Fair has endured for almost 180 years because of its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its agricultural roots,” Lewis says.
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