Indiana State Fairgrounds gives back to the community during the holidays

The holiday season brings a unique merriment that encourages spirited fun, giving back, and meaningful time spent with family and friends. Once again, despite the challenges of the last 18 months, holiday magic remains present at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. The Fairgrounds gives back in several efforts that impact the community and bring joy to Hoosiers.

11th Annual Million Meal Movement – Million Meal Movement Tip-Off

Held on Oct. 14, this effort focused on feeding hungry Hoosiers, while teaching the power of volunteerism. The Tip-Off event, held at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, was the first time that the Fairgrounds partnered with Pacers Sports Entertainment on this important project. At the end of the day, volunteers had assembled 110,000 packages of macaroni and cheese pasta.

WTHR’s Coats for Kids

For more than 35 years, Coats for Kids has helped to make sure central Indiana kids stay warm. This year’s event, held Oct. 16 at the Fairgrounds’ Champions Pavilion, provided more than 3,000 children with coats. WTHR is The Times of Noblesville’s news gathering partner.

Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center 25th Annual Safe Night Halloween

For the 25th year the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, along with several community partners, came together to host Safe Night Halloween Trunk or Treat event on October 31 on the northside of the Fairgrounds at Celebration Park (outdoors, trunk or treat-style). Offering kids and parents a free, safe place to spend Halloween, the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center’s Safe Night Halloween was open to children ages 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult.

This annual event began as a community service for State Fairgrounds-area neighborhood families and, thanks to generous sponsors and donors to the Indiana State Fair Foundation, the event has provided a free, fun and safe Halloween to more than 60,000 area children since 1996.

The Little Red Door’s 13th Annual Face of Hope Breakfast

Held from 7 – 9:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Hoosier Lottery Expo Hall, this free breakfast helped the community learn more about the organization and how it’s impacted the cancer community for more than six decades.

21st Annual YMCA Toy Distribution Event

From 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the State Fairgrounds’ Champions Pavilion, kids in central Indiana ages newborn to 15 will receive toys from Santa. The Fairgrounds is proud to partner with the YMCA on this event and to help bring smiles to more than 3,500 children each year. Registration is now closed, as the program is full this year.

Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center Food & Fund Drive to Benefit Gleaners Food Bank

For the second year, Indiana State Fairgrounds’ team members will have the opportunity to donate food or funds to benefit Gleaners Food Bank during the month of December. On a yearly basis, hundreds of thousands of hungry Hoosiers depend on food and other critical grocery products provided by Gleaners. The organization supplies items to hunger relief agencies and schools throughout 21 counties in central and southeastern Indiana.

About the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center

The Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center is a modern public event facility that annually hosts more than 400 meetings, shows, sports and agricultural events, including the Indiana State Fair. The year-round management of the Fairgrounds is overseen by the Indiana State Fair Commission which is a quasi-governmental agency that was established in 1992, with the mission to preserve and enhance the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the annual Indiana State Fair for the benefit of all citizens of Indiana. The 2022 Indiana State Fair is scheduled for July 29-August 21, 2022. For more information, visit www.indianastatefair.com.