Indiana State Fair recognized with national awards

DENVER — The Indiana State Fair earned several honors at the 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expos Convention & Trade Show in Denver.

These awards show the fair’s commitment to connecting agriculture with the community, said Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission.

Judge’s Choice

• Agricultural Awards: Program, event or exhibit educating fairgoers on the story of food during the annual fair — Farm to Concessionaires.

First Place

• Agricultural Awards: Program, event or exhibit educating consumers and fairgoers on the story of food during the annual fair — Farm to Concessionaires.

• Hall of Honor Communications Awards: Double-Sided, Multi-Page, or Folded Promotional Piece —Indiana State Fair Daily Sheets.

• Competitive Exhibits Awards: New Class of Competition — Puzzle Competition.

• Agricultural Awards: Agriculture Individual Photo for Horticulture and Crops — Wilson’s Corn Eating Competition.

• Agricultural Awards: Agriculture Individual Photo for Livestock, Not Equine — Grand Drive presented by Farm Credit Mid-America.

Second Place

• Competitive Exhibits Awards: Creative Display of Single Photo or Photo Series — Indiana Arts Mural by Koda Witsken.

• Hall of Honor Communications Awards: Single-Sided, Flat Promotional Piece — Indy Monthly Magazine Ad.

Third Place

• Hall of Honor Communications Awards: Radio Ad.

National Leaders

During the convention, executives of the Indiana State Fair Commission were elected to national leadership posts.

Ray Allison, COO of the Indiana State Fair Commission, was elected chair of the IAFE Board of Directors.

Anna Whelchel, chief revenue and marketing officer of the Indiana State Fair Commission, was elected Zone 3 Director of the IAFE.

“These two professionals are known throughout the industry as being the top professionals in their fields,” Hoye said.

“We are truly proud of their accomplishments. This recognition highlights the outstanding work and creativity happening across our team every day.”