From the Garbage Burger to the Japanese robots, from the KISS concert to the 4-H Sale of Champions, the 2010 Indiana State Fair has been a fair to remember. The 17-day event wrapped up Sunday night with approximately 950,000 total visitors, a little less than last year’s record crowd of 973,902 – the official attendance won’t be known until sometime Monday or Tuesday.
“What an incredible fair this has been,” State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye said. “It’s just wonderful that so many people came out to be part of the fair considering the extended heat wave we had. We appreciate everyone who visited and hope they made some wonderful memories with their families.”
Fairgoers dealt with temperatures of 92 degrees or more during nine of the fair’s 17 days, well above seasonal averages. Still, huge crowds turned out to see concerts by Selena Gomez, KISS, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts and Drake. Promotions like $2 Tuesday, BMV Carload Day and all-day midway wristbands also brought people through the gates.
The fair’s “Year of Pigs” agricultural theme seemed to be a hit with visitors. People packed the pork tent to try the Garbage Burger, winner of the fair’s signature food contest, and also enjoyed daily shows of Hedrick’s Racing Pigs and other hog-themed events.
“This has been a tremendous year for us,” Indiana Pork Executive Director Mike Platt said. “We have a long history with the State Fair, and having our industry showcased like this throughout the fair has made it extra special. We hope Hoosiers always remember how much the hog industry contributes to our state.”
The fair expects to announce next year’s featured agricultural commodity sometime this fall. Next year’s fair runs Aug. 5 – 21.
About Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is the state’s largest multi-day event attracting more than 900,000 people annually. Nationally recognized for offering the best in entertainment, showcasing youth, interactive agriculture education programs, premiere facilities and a variety of unique, fun foods, the Indiana State Fair is an annual tradition for generations of Hoosiers. Admission is $7 in advance, $8 at the gate – kids 5 and younger are free. For more information, please visit www.indianastatefair.com.
