INDIANAPOLIS - The count is in.  The Indiana State Fair officially welcomed 973,902 visitors during its 17-day run August 7 - 23.  Cool temperatures Sunday helped attract a crowd of 68,257, which helped push the attendance close to the 1 million mark for the first time ever.

"It's really rewarding to see so many people enjoy their fair," State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye said.  "We've been planning for two years to make this extended fair work smoothly, and we couldn't be happier with the final result.  The special discounts and additional weekend were key in bringing so many people out this year."

The fair added five days to its traditional 12-day event.  This year's record breaks the old mark of 900,365 set in 2004.  The State Fair will continue with its 17-day format through at least 2011. 

Gleaners to benefit from Canstruction destruction

One of the most popular events associated with the fair's Year of Tomatoes presented by Red Gold® theme was the Canstruction competition in the Ball State Agriculture/Horticulture building.  Nine teams of architects, engineers and designers created giant structures made from full cans of food, including 20,000 pounds of Red Gold® tomato products.

Over the course of the fair, visitors could vote for their favorite structure, and the winner is the "UP UP and Away with Hunger" entry designed by A2SO4 Architecture.  All of the structures are in the process of being torn down and will be donated to Gleaners Food Bank on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m.

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