Visitors saw the new Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion a week before the Indiana State Fair opened during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. It looked like a state-of-the-art facility for hog shows as well as other events. But what would happen when hogs were in the building? Would the atmosphere remain pleasant? Could airflow keep the air-conditioned building cool?

The first test came on opening day of the state fair, when all open-class swine breeding shows were held in the new pavilion. From all indications, odor was minimal, and both hogs and people stayed cool. The new building passed its first test with flying colors.

Barrows showed in 4-H shows during the fair’s second weekend, and the 4-H gilt show happens Aug. 13-14. The Indiana State Fair runs through Aug. 20, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

PASSING THE TEST: The biggest test for the Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion was whether it would function well with minimal odor and cool conditions during a live hog show. From all indications, it passed with flying colors.

The new pavilion hosted two big events to kick off the 2023 state fair. First, many gathered for the traditional ham breakfast, sponsored by the Indiana Pork Producers Association. Then, opening ceremonies were held in the new pavilion this year.

Nick Tharp, current president of Indiana Pork, took the microphone during opening ceremonies. “We’re happy to be a part of this new era with this new building,” Tharp said. “It’s certainly a world-class facility.”

Tharp farms and raises hogs with his family in Putnam County, Ind., including his wife, Beth, and his in-laws, Mark and Phyllis Legan.

Mitch Frazier, CEO of AgriNovus and chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission, agreed it was a special day. “The original swine barn opened in 1923, exactly 100 years ago,” Frazier told the audience. “Now, we’re starting new traditions and new memories in this state-of-the-art facility for the next 100 years.”