Welcome to the 2025 Indiana State Fair Season
Thank you for your participation in the Indiana State Fair! We are eagerly planning for 2025 and hope you will join us August 1-17 as we celebrate this year’s theme, “The Soundtrack of Summer.”
As you prepare for the Indiana State Fair, we want to make you aware of a few important changes for 2025. Official Entry Books are now available. Click here to view them.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Indiana State Fair Entry Department at entry@indianastatefair.com or 317-927-7515. We look forward to seeing you at the Fair!
entry fees
New Entry Fee Format
Beginning in 2025, entry fees will transition from a per-department/class fee structure to a per-head fee. This change aligns with most other livestock shows and fairs and offers several benefits:
- Transparency: Exhibitors will better understand their total costs before submitting entries.
- Simplification: Fees will now be based on the number of animals entered rather than multiple class fees.
- Inclusive of Testing Fees: For 4-H exhibitors, any required animal testing fees will now be included in the per-head fee, streamlining the process.
Entry Fee Increases
For the first time in over 20 years, entry fees will see an increase. While we have worked hard to keep costs low, rising expenses in areas such as bedding, manure hauling, judges, and support staff have made an adjustment necessary. Even with this increase, entry fees will continue to offset only about 30% of total expenses and premiums.
Premium Increases
We are pleased to announce that premiums will see a modest increase for 2025, ensuring that exhibitors continue to be rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Revised Premium Scales will be shared prior to entry opening in May.
grooming assistance
As part of our ongoing commitment
to the educational mission of 4-H, we are implementing a change to the rules
regarding animal grooming assistance at the Indiana State Fair.
What’s Changing?
The 4-H Approved Animal Grooming Assistance program and requirements have been eliminated.
A new grooming assistance rule will take effect:
Exhibitors shall be responsible for the continuous care, grooming, and preparation of their own animals entered into the Indiana State Fair. Exhibitors may receive assistance, but only in the form of an explanation or demonstration, and they must be actively involved in the preparation process.
Why the Change?
The Indiana State Fair recognizes that grooming and preparing animals for the show ring can require guidance. However, to uphold the educational nature of 4-H Animal Projects, it is essential that 4-H members take an active role in grooming and fitting their animals. This hands-on experience is a key part of skill development, responsibility, and learning within the program.
drenching
To ensure the health and welfare
of all animals while maintaining fair competition, we are updating the rules
regarding animal drenching at the Indiana State Fair.
New Drenching Rule for All Species
Effective for the 2025 State Fair, the use of drench guns will be permitted under the following conditions:
- Drench guns may be used only in the exhibitor’s stall/pen and solely for hydration purposes.
- Stomach pumping, drenching tubes, or any other method involving the esophagus is strictly prohibited.
Why the Change?
This rule provides a consistent standard across all species while prioritizing animal well-being. It allows for responsible hydration practices while ensuring that no animal is subjected to improper drenching methods.
aob
Beginning in 2025, updates have been made to the All Other Breeds (AOB) class and breed recognition requirements at the Indiana State Fair.
Key Updates:
AOB Eligibility: The AOB class is open to any breeds not recognized or listed in the official entry book.
New Breed Minimums for Recognition:
- Beef Cattle: A minimum of 5 entries is required for breed recognition.
- Swine & Sheep: A minimum of 15 entries is required for breed recognition.
Breed Probation & Exhibition Status:
- If a breed is recognized in the entry book but fails to meet the minimum requirement, it will be placed on probation for two years.
- If the breed does not meet the required minimums after two years on probation, it will no longer be recognized as a separate breed and will be shown as exhibition-only.
- After exhibition-only status, the breed will become eligible for inclusion in AOB or Crossbred classes.
What This Means for Exhibitors:
Any breed listed in the entry book is guaranteed at least three years of showing under its breed name before any changes occur if entry numbers do not meet the minimum.
Restricted use of aspirin in food-producing animals
The FDA has clarified that there are no approved aspirin products for dairy cattle, and have extended this restriction to all food-producing species, including swine and other ruminants. As a result:
- The use of any aspirin product, including human aspirin, in food-producing animals is now considered illegal.
- Alternative FDA-approved veterinary anti-inflammatory drugs are available, but they come with required withdrawal periods that may conflict with Indiana State Fair rules.
- Due to this new restriction, Indiana State Fair Veterinary Services can no longer use aspirin for treating febrile swine and other animals during the Indiana State Fair.
important dates
- Indiana State Fair Camping Reservations Open – May 12, 2025 9:00 AM
- 4-H Animal Identification Deadline – May 15, 2025
- Indiana State Fair Entry Opens – May 19, 2025 10:00 AM
- Livestock Pen/Stall Location Auction – June 29, 2025
- First Entry Deadline – July 1, 2025 (Late entries accepted; late fee applies)
- Final Entry Deadline – Varies by Department. Consult individual entry book.