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Purdue Extension to present engaging educational activities for all at Indiana State Fair
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Indiana State Fair kicks off Aug. 1 and highlights the theme “Soundtrack of Summer,” presented by Get Prepared Indiana. Fairgoers can also hear from Purdue University experts about everything from insects to drones to physical and financial wellness, all of which Purdue Extension teaches year-round.
“Purdue Extension is excited to once again be part of the 2025 Indiana State Fair. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H youth from across the state and to showcase our programs,” said Angie Abbott, interim 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 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
- 4-H Next Chapter: 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 entomology, human health and sciences, forestry and natural resources, and animal sciences
- Master Gardener: Discover annuals and vegetable plants suited to Indiana’s climate and learn how to properly care for them
- Pollinators: Learn about pollinators and their essential role in producing fantastic food and fabulous flowers
Here are additional Purdue events available during the fair.
Not-so-creepy crawlies: Exploring insects with Purdue Entomology and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
From 3-7 p.m. Aug. 13, fairgoers can explore local and international insects with the Purdue Department of Entomology in the Purdue Extension Building. Purdue-trained entomologists will host interactive activities related to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ new exhibit about Peru.
Attendees will also be able to experience sights and sounds from Purdue’s Boiler Bug Barn, which is known for such insects as and cockroaches. Anyone can ask questions to Purdue entomologists, and those brave enough can even touch and hold some of the bugs.
Popping flavors: Purdue-developed popcorn seasonings
Purdue Extension will offer free samples of popcorn every day from 1-5 p.m. in the Purdue Extension Building, courtesy of Weaver Popcorn. Attendees can spice up their free popcorn with seasonings developed by Purdue food science students who work with the Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute. One flavor, Black Pepper and Golden Cheddar, creates a classic, cheesy snack, while the other flavor, Elephant Ear Express, suits those looking for a sweet, cinnamon-sugar treat.
Indiana ranks No. 1 in popcorn production in the U.S., and fairgoers can learn more about this Hoosier favorite through a dynamic exhibit in the Purdue Extension Building. The display will educate children and adults about the fascinating science and history of popcorn in Indiana.
Pioneer Village: Time travel to the 1800s
Between the Machinery Field and the MHS Family Fun Park, Pioneer Village transports fairgoers to the 1800s. Sponsored by the Purdue Ag Alumni Association, the village offers guests the opportunity to enjoy antique tractors, the 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. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 17, but will be closed on Mondays. Purdue Extension exhibits are located throughout the fairgrounds, spanning the 4-H Exhibit Hall, 4-H Centennial Hall, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Champions Pavilion, Corteva Coliseum, Expo Hall, Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, Northwest Pavilion, Pathway to Water Quality, Pioneer Village, Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion, Purdue Extension Building and West Pavilion.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.
Writers: Olivia DeYoung and Devyn Raver, odeyoung@purdue.edu, draver@purdue.edu
Media contact: Devyn Ashlea Raver, draver@purdue.edu
Source: Angie Abbott, adcrabtr@purdue.edu
