Attendance at the Indiana State Fair grew nearly 2% this year compared to 2023 as the annual agricultural extravaganza continued rebounding from its 2020 shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data released Friday show 854,236 people passed through the gates of the fairgrounds located northeast of downtown Indianapolis during the fair's 15 days of operations.
That's up from last year's attendance of 840,414. Fair officials said fairgoers also tended to stay longer this year and spend more compared to prior years.
"We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of this year's Indiana State Fair," said Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission.
"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."
Hoye said planning already is underway for the 168th Indiana State Fair set for next August.
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