WEST LAFAYETTE — The Indiana State Fair kicks off Aug. 7 with the theme “Always a Hit,” presented by the Indianapolis Indians. Fairgoers will hear from Purdue University experts about everything from drones to food science to physical and financial wellness, and learn about programs Purdue Extension delivers across the state.
“Purdue Extension is excited to continue its longtime partnership with the Indiana State Fair. It’s also a wonderful chance to celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H youth from across the state and the work our educators do year-round,” said Angie Abbott, director of Purdue Extension and associate dean of the College of Agriculture. “Attendees will have the chance to learn about agriculture, nature and healthy lifestyles through our interactive demonstrations and activities. We are particularly looking forward to sharing the educational exhibits at the Purdue Extension Building, where attendees can connect with various Purdue University and Extension experts and engage with rotating interactive displays.
The Purdue Extension Building, located on the north side of the fairgrounds, will feature activities for all ages, including:
- Block Party: Children ages 8 months to 8 years can engage in block play to enhance a variety of school-readiness skills.
- Indiana 4-H College and Career Readiness: Explore how students can become Beyond Ready for their next step after high school.
- Engage with Purdue Extension specialists: Interact with experts in fields such as early childhood development, forestry and natural resources, animal sciences, and farm succession planning.
- Master Gardener: Discover annuals and vegetable plants suited to Indiana’s climate and learn how to properly care for them.
Here are additional Purdue events available during the fair.
Animal Town: Meet creatures big and small
No matter what day you’re visiting the Indiana State Fairgrounds, you can see pigs, horses, llamas, sheep, goats, cows, poultry and rabbits at the Animal Town displays in the livestock barn area. Purdue Department of Animal Sciences ambassadors will be stationed at each display to share information about animal care and answer questions about the animals you see on the fairgrounds. A map of all the Animal Town display locations can be found at extension.purdue.edu/indiana-state-fair.
Purdue veterinary medicine students will be providing needed care to all animals, including 4-H livestock.
Popping flavors: Purdue-developed popcorn seasonings
Feel like you’re “out at the ball game” by enjoying an afternoon treat at the Purdue Extension building. Every day from 1-5 p.m., Purdue Extension will offer free popcorn samples, courtesy of Conagra. Attendees can spice up their snacks with seasonings developed by Purdue food science students who work with the Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute. One flavor, Hammer Down Dill, suits those looking for a salty snack. The other flavor, All-American Caramel Apple, makes for a sweet treat.
Popcorn has played an important role in Indiana’s past and present. Fairgoers can celebrate Indiana’s history of innovation and agriculture through a dynamic exhibit in the Purdue Extension Building.
Pioneer Village: Time travel to the 1800s
Located between the Machinery Field and the MHS Family Fun Park, Pioneer Village transports fairgoers to the 1800s. Sponsored by the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, the village offers guests the opportunity to enjoy antique tractors, a farm toy show, a fiddler’s contest, a liar’s contest, the Opry House and much more.
The Indiana State Fair, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, will run from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 23, and will be closed Mondays. Purdue Extension events and exhibits are located throughout the fairgrounds, spanning the 4-H Exhibit Hall, 4-H Centennial Hall, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Corteva Coliseum, Expo Hall, Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, Pathway to Water Quality, Pioneer Village, Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion, Purdue Extension Auditorium, Purdue Extension Building, South Pavilion and West Pavilion.
