wsbt.com/sports/colts/wxin-changes-coming-to-2013-indiana-state-fair-20121011,0,4397427.column
Kent Erdahl
11:34 PM EDT, October 11, 2012
Indianapolis
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The proposed changes come as the State Fair looks to rebound from lower than projected revenue in 2012, and public opinion polls that show overall satisfaction slipping too.
The State Fair still turned a profit of more than $500,000 but that is thanks in part to higher admission and a new parking fee, which weren't very popular with fairgoers.
"We need to work harder to explain discounts and opportunities where there is more value for people to come," said Cyndy Hoye, Executive Director of the State Fair Commission.
Hoye says the commission is also exploring alcohol sales at the fair, but the decision really needs to be made in the legislature.
"We have a law on the books in Indiana, that alcohol cannot be served during the fair," Chairman of the State Fair Commission.
The fairgrounds already serves alcohol for other events during the year, but the state law stops alcohol sales during the fair itself.
"We really need to work with the legislature, work with our legislative council, to get a recognition," Lacy said.
The topic has been discussed but never passed in previous years, but Hoye says the popularity of local brewers and wineries could help it gain traction.
"Look at the Indiana wine production and the Indiana craft beers," Hoye said. "So we're really looking at how can we continue to showcase agriculture in the vein as well."
Hoye added that most of the other large state fairs across the United States also sell beer and wine with no issues.