STATEHOUSE (Nov. 5, 2025) – The State Fair Advisory Committee recently met at the Statehouse to hear updates from the State Fair Commission and highlight the success of the 2025 State Fair earlier this year, according to State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), chair of the committee.
Baird said this year's state fair saw the most attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the final attendance recorded as 854,977. Baird also noted that discount days and the free stage concert schedule continue to be popular aspects of the fair.
"The Indiana State Fair continues to be a proud celebration of everything that makes our state exceptional," Baird said. "From world-class livestock and agriculture to great food, community and Hoosier tradition, it's a special event for everyone to enjoy."
The Indiana State Fair Commission also provided a master plan update including technology equipment and infrastructure upgrades, updates to the Champions Pavillion and Grand Hall roof replacement, as well as updates to the entrance gates and roadways in and out of the fairgrounds.
Cindy Hoye, executive director of the commission, recently announced she is stepping down in 2026. She has served in that position since 2004 and has been with the organization for nearly 40 years.
"For nearly four decades, Cindy Hoye has been the heart of the Indiana State Fair. Her leadership, vision and dedication have shaped the fair into one of the state's premier events," Baird said. "Her impact will be felt by generations of Hoosiers to come. I congratulate her on a successful career and thank her for her years of service."
The 2026 State Fair will be open from Aug. 7 through 23 next year. For more information, visit indianastatefair.com.
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State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) (left, at podium) chairs the State Fair Advisory Committee meeting in the House Chamber on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Cindy Hoye, (right, foreground) who has led the Indiana State Fair Commission since 2004, recently announced she will step down in 2026 after nearly 40 years with the organization.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) chairs the State Fair Advisory Committee meeting in the House Chamber on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis alongside vice chair, State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg).
