During the State Fair Advisory Committee meeting held on October 23, 2024, at 1 PM, several important topics were discussed:

Key Topics

1. Fair Highlights:
   • Attendance: Over 854,000 attendees, slightly above average.
   • Revenue Success: Exceeded budget by $400,000, with $3 million in sponsorship revenue.
   • Celebrity Guests: Notable appearances by Caitlin Clark and an 8-year-old farmer Jackson.
   • Facility Improvements: Introduction of a splash pad and a permanent basketball court for community engagement.
   • Livestock and 4-H Involvement: 94 grand champion awards presented to 4-H participants, highlighting youth involvement.
2. Challenges:
   • Parking & Access: Parking concerns were a significant challenge. Solutions proposed included separating parking and admission and introducing park-and-ride options.
   • Security and Behavior Management: The “Minor Policy” adjusted to require minors to be accompanied by adults after 4:00 PM to reduce unruly behavior.
   • Infrastructure Needs: Focus on improving facility cleanliness, safety concerns (barn safety, elevator maintenance), and challenges with food pricing.
3. Master Plan for Future:
   • Perimeter Improvements: Plans to enhance Fall Creek Parkway, including widening Gate 6 and adding a roundabout for better traffic flow.
   • Grandstand Renovation: $18 million requested to reduce the grandstand’s size and improve public amenities such as seating and shade areas.
   • Additional Amenities: Plans for an RV campground to generate additional revenue, and considering a hotel proposal for extended stays during major events.

Committee Actions and Votes

• Closing on Mondays:
  • General consensus was reached on continuing to close the fair on Mondays to allow for barn cleaning and maintenance, despite some concerns about lost revenue on that day.
• Final Vote on Report Adoption:
  • The final report was adopted unanimously by the present committee members:
    • Senator Leising – Yes
    • Representative Cherry – Yes
    • Representative Torr – Yes
    • Representative Klinker – Yes
    • Representative Porter – Yes

Additional Notes

• Public and Community Engagement: Strong partnerships with agricultural commodity groups, and discussions of further involving Uber/Lyft for efficient transportation solutions.
• Positive Financial Standing: Both the Indiana State Fair Commission and the Foundation are in strong financial health, with a significant focus on reinvesting back into the fairgrounds.
• Innovative Parking Solution: A unique proposal to convert a parking garage into a temporary livestock facility during the fair, modeled after an example in Brisbane, Australia.
• Youth Engagement Success: The 4-H program continues to grow, with strong participation and recognition of youth accomplishments, reinforcing the fair’s mission to promote agriculture and youth development.