Indiana State Fair reports increased attendance in 2024, record sales for vendors

Despite the at-times sweltering summer heat, the Indiana State Fair saw a slight uptick in attendance this summer compared to 2023.

More than 854,000 people attended the fair this year, up from 840,414 last year, according to data provided by the State Fair. (The attendance record was set in 2013, when 978,296 people attended the State Fair.)

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This year's State Fair theme was The Art & Nature of Fun, presented in partnership with Newfields . Fair officials also said attendees stayed for longer during their visits, and that many vendors reported record sales.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year’s Indiana State Fair,” Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission said in a written statement. “The fair is an annual testament to the hard work and dedication of our leadership, staff, youth competitors, partners, volunteers, and all participants. We are grateful to all our fairgoers who came out this year to celebrate this iconic summertime tradition.”

Additionally, more than 10,000 exhibitors and youth showed or displayed more than 52,000 animal and non-animal projects.

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Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana State Fair reports increased attendance in 2024, record sales for vendors