We’re fair-ly sure summer is our favorite season in Indy — and it’s all thanks to The Indiana State Fair. The Hoosier tradition returns on Friday, Aug. 1, with thousands of exhibits, attractions, rides, food options, and vendors for guests of all ages to enjoy.
Let’s take a look back at some of the fair’s most memorable moments — starting at the very beginning.
1852
The first Indiana State Fair took place from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22 at Military Park in downtown Indy. Admission was 20 cents and estimated attendance was 30,000 people.
The fair focused primarily on agriculture, with a smaller women’s area dedicated to domestic arts. Agriculture-related prizes included Best Farmhouse Plans, which is great and all — but we wish we could see who won the awards for Best False Teeth, Best Underwear, Best Coffin, and Best Artificial Limbs.
1892
After brief stays in other Indiana cities and a long tenure on the Old Northside, the fair found its permanent home at the new Indiana State Fairgrounds + Event Center. On opening day, the site’s 214 acres contained 72 buildings, a 6,000-seat grandstand, and a mile race track.
1963
During a holiday ice show in the Coliseum, a gas explosion killed 81 people and injured ~400 others. The coliseum reopened about six weeks later, but the disaster remains one of the worst in Indiana history.
1964
The fair welcomed the arrival of one of the most popular musical acts in modern history: The Beatles. The band performed two sold-out shows to thousands of screaming fans who paid the $5 admission fee.
1990
After years of deteriorating conditions, the Indiana State Fair Board was assembled to revamp and run the fair, and the fairgrounds began hosting events year round.
2012
The fairgrounds underwent a $63 million renovation, the largest project in its history. Improvements included a complete overhaul of the Coliseum’s interior and the addition of the youth arena now known as the Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion. Work was completed in 2014.
You can read a more detailed history of the Indiana State Fair here.
Have a fun memory or fact to share about the fair? Send it our way and we may feature you in an upcoming newsletter.
