INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fairgrounds and surrounding community are the city’s Neighborhood of the Month for August 2019. The Neighborhood of the Month program highlights Indianapolis neighborhood initiatives, works to engage community groups, and promotes projects by City departments.
The Indiana State Fair held its first fair in October 1852 at what’s currently known as Military Park. Prior to 1892, the first 40 Indiana State Fairs were held at rotating sites around the state. In 1892 the Fair began at its current site on the northwest corner of 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway.
During the 19th century, Indiana’s economy revolved around farming, products that originated on the farm, or making things to improve agriculture. Most of the population lived in rural areas or on farms until about 1925, and the Indiana State Fair gave farmers a way to come together, exchange new ideas for improving yields, see the latest ideas in farming techniques, and showcase their best products.
More than 160 years later, the State Fair still serves this purpose. Agriculture remains one of Indiana’s most important businesses and adds millions to the economy and surrounding community. In recent decades, the state fairgrounds has expanded beyond agriculture to become a site for conventions, consumer shows, conferences, sports, concerts, and more.
Mayor Hogsett will join dozens of cyclists for the 2019 Mayor’s Bike to the Fair Day on Aug. 10. The 3.5-mile ride will start in Broad Ripple and ride through the Fairgrounds neighborhood to get to the fair. This is the second year for the event, which highlights an alternative mode of transportation for residents, while also providing cyclists a chance to see the impact of the Indiana State Fairgrounds on the surrounding community.