Submitted for use on: Nov. 20, 2023
Word Count: 328
By State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg)
The Indiana State Fairgrounds – a leading symbol of our state's heritage – continues to serve as a hub for residents to learn about and celebrate the Spirit of Indiana, which is why the state continues to support its operations.
One way we offer support is by maintaining operating relationships through Indiana State Fair Advisory Committee meetings, which I recently vice-chaired on Nov. 15 at the Statehouse. There, members met with administrative leaders of the fairgrounds to review highlights and challenges from the 2023 Indiana State Fair and projects for the 2024 Indiana State Fair.
Data showed this year's fair brought in an attendance of more than 840,000 people and set a revenue record with more than $14 million earned, nearly $1 million more than the previous year, despite the fairgrounds closing several times due to severe weather.
Leaders project more revenue will be brought in during the 2024 Indiana State Fair through new partnerships and in the off-season through events like the 2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships in the new Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.
The committee also reviewed the fairground's new code of conduct measures, which were implemented this year to reduce incidents and improve safety on the property. The new unaccompanied minor and bag size policies proved successful and are planned to be used again in the future.
Presented by Newfields, the 2024 Indiana State Fair theme will be "The Art and Nature of Fun" and is scheduled for Aug. 2 – 18, 2024. As an update from previous years, the fair will now only be closed on Mondays.
The new ADA access tunnel being built from the infield to the Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion will also be available for the 2024 Indiana State Fair.
More information about the fair will be released throughout the next year. To learn more, visit IndianaStateFair.com/State-Fair.
If you have any questions or concerns on these or other topics, feel free to contact me at Senator.Leising@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9400.
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State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) represents Senate District 42, which includes
Decatur, Fayette, Ripley and Rush counties, and portions of Franklin, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
