FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is the 2020 Indiana State Fair not taking place?
The Indiana State Fair Commission, Staff and Board spent endless hours analyzing all options to keep the traditional State Fair going, and we’ve come to the painful conclusion that was not an option. The health and safety of our staff, guests and community is our top priority.
The difficult decision was driven by the impact of COVID-19. It was clear the traditional State Fair we all love could not take place.
The State Fair is a complex event that requires years of planning by hundreds of staff and partners. While Indiana’s Back on Track plan currently has large gatherings resuming after July 4th, we must make these difficult decisions based on what we know today.
Why didn’t you postpone instead of cancel?
The State Fair is a collaborative effort between many partners, including the carnival, entertainers, food vendors, sponsors and more. Unfortunately picking up the State Fair that we all love and moving it to another time of the year is not possible.
Why did you cancel now?
The Indiana State Fair is an annual celebration of all things Indiana, showcasing youth and agriculture along with great food, animals, entertainment, and exhibits. Preparing for the State Fair requires collaboration with several large industries, as well as hundreds of small businesses and thousands of part-time employees. We simply can’t hold off any longer for the sake of the staff, vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, sponsors and partners.
While we are not sure what August will look like, we have to make decisions based on what we know today.
Who made the decision to cancel?
The Indiana State Fair Commission and the Indiana State Fair Board made the decision to cancel the traditional 2020 Indiana State Fair.
What about the 2020 Indiana State Fair Queen and the 2021 Queen Pageant?
The 2020 Indiana State Fair Queen, Claudia Duncan from Vanderburgh County, will reign through the 2021 Indiana State Fair. There will not be a 2021 Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant held in January of 2021, and all county queens who qualify in 2020 AND in 2021 will be eligible to participate in the 2022 Indiana State Fair Pageant.
Will there be any events offering Fair Food?
The State Fair staff is working on many options on how to bring our community together safely, including providing Hoosiers with their favorite Fair Food fix. Check back for more information.
How can I support the youth of the State Fair?
The Indiana State Fair Foundation raises funds to philanthropically support the year-round agriculture education, youth development, and campus stewardship of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the State Fair for the benefit of all citizens of Indiana. To learn more about supporting the Indiana State Fair Foundation, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/foundation-mission
TICKET OPTIONS
OPTION 2: Receive a refund for the cost of the ticket(s).
To request a full refund, please contact accounting@indianastatefair.com.
We’ll need the following information included in the email:
A. Whether you would like a full refund or would like to donate the money to the Indiana State Fair
Foundation to support our mission.
B. Full name of purchaser of tickets.
C. Number of tickets and/or parking passes purchased.
D. Total amount of original transaction.
*Please allow up to 30 days for processing of the refund.
4-H LIVESTOCK COMPETITION
What is the modified Indiana State Fair 4-H Livestock Competition & 4-H Project Showcase?
The Indiana State Fair 4-H Livestock Competition & 4-H Project Showcase is an event showcasing the 4-H youth project components of the State Fair; focusing on youth education, development and the human and animal connection. Participation is limited to 4-H members. The Indiana State Fair 4-H Livestock Shows will include:
• 4-H Horse & Pony
• 4-H Beef
• 4-H Dairy & Dairy Beef
• 4-H Swine
• 4-H Sheep
• 4-H Meat Goats
• 4-H Dairy Goats
• 4-H Pygmy Goats
• 4-H Llama
• 4-H Rabbit
• 4-H Poultry
• 4-H Dog Show
• 4-H Cat Show
• 4-H & FFA State Livestock Judging Contest
The Indiana State Fair 4-H Livestock Competition & 4-H Project Showcase will take place weekends only August 7 – September 5. Check back soon for an updated livestock schedule.
I entered for the 2020 Indiana State Fair, what will happen to my entry fees?
Refunds will automatically be initiated for all entry orders, including 4-H and open categories. Refunds are issued back in the form the initial entry payment was made. Refunds will include any entry fees paid and tickets/parking passes purchased along with your entry. Please be patient with us as we work through all the orders and issue refunds. Refunds could take up to 30 business days.
Please note: you will be required to re-enter for the new modified Indiana State Fair 4-H Livestock Show when entry opens on June 26.
What can I enter?
1. Exhibitors may enter and show four (4) entries/classes in the following species:
1. 4-H Horse & Pony
2. 4-H Rabbit
3. 4-H Poultry
4. 4-H Llama & Alpaca
5. 4-H Cat
2. Exhibitors may enter and show two (2) head in the following species:
1. Beef & Dairy Beef Cattle
2. Dairy Cattle
3. Swine
4. Sheep
5. Meat Goats
6. Dairy Goats
7. Pygmy Goats
3. 4-H Dog Show exhibitors may enter and show in:
1. Obedience
2. Service
3. Dog Presentation, only if they do not show a live dog project in the obedience or service
What are the Entry Fees?
1. Entry fees for the following species are $25 per entry/class:
1. 4-H Horse & Pony
2. 4-H Rabbit
3. 4-H Poultry
4. 4-H Llama & Alpaca
5. 4-H Cat
6. 4-H Pygmy Goats
7. 4-H Dog
2. Entry fees for the following species are $45 per head + 5$ per head Testing Fee:
1. 4-H Beef + Stall Bedding Fee $26.00
2. 4-H Dairy & Dairy Beef Cattle
3. 4-H Swine
4. 4-H Sheep
5. 4-H Meat Goats
6. 4-H Dairy Goats
3. Admission & Parking Fees:
1. For species with multi-day shows one (1) $10 Trailer Parking Pass will be added per order good for the duration for the event
2. There is no parking fees for general/guest vehicle parking
3. There is no admission fee
Will there be monetary premiums and non-monetary awards like plaques and banners?
Entry fees for the following species are $25 per entry/class:
1. 4-H Horse & Pony
2. 4-H Rabbit
3. 4-H Poultry
4. 4-H Llama & Alpaca
5. 4-H Cat
6. 4-H Pygmy Goats
7. 4-H Dog
Entry fees for the following species are $45 per head + 5$ per head Testing Fee:
8. 4-H Beef + Stall Bedding Fee $26.00
9. 4-H Dairy & Dairy Beef Cattle
10. 4-H Swine
11. 4-H Sheep
12. 4-H Meat Goats
13. 4-H Dairy Goats
Will there be a Celebration of Champions for the top end winners?
Yes, Celebration of Champions pay-out will be prorated based on Indiana State Fair Foundation, Youth Development Fund levels during the Indiana State Fair 4-H Livestock & Project Showcase. No animals selected for the Celebration of Champions will be harvested.
Want more Exhibitor information?
We will be sharing more information as it becomes available, please follow our exhibitor social media accounts for the latest updates:
Instagram: @ISFexhibitors
Facebook: @ISFexhibitors