The Indiana FFA Pavilion, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and located on the north side of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, offers fairgoers a combination of agricultural education and family-friendly activities.
A Fresh Perspective from the Blue Jacket
Hayden Stookey, the newly minted Indiana FFA State President hailing from the tight-knit community of Tippecanoe Valley High School, tells Hoosier Ag Today that there are a number of fun and free experiences under the pavilion roof.
“We’ve got a lot of Putt-Putt, is what most guests will be their interest here at the pavilion,” Stookey shares with a warm, welcoming grin. “But kind of around here we have the animal wing, so it’s petting zoo and we also have the opportunity to feed them with carrots or grain. And then you’ll move to the Farm-to-Fork station, which is for the youth that enters the pavilion, and they’ll really learn about how their food gets from the farm or a greenhouse to the plate at home.”
Where Education Meets Play
For families navigating the bustling avenues of the 2026 Indiana State Fair, the pavilion offers a masterclass in ag-literacy disguised as pure, unadulterated fun. Best of all? The cornerstone attractions—including the popular free Putt-Putt course and the interactive Animal Wing—won’t cost visitors a single dime.
In the Animal Wing, city slickers and country kids alike get shoulder-to-shoulder with livestock, locking eyes with goats, sheep, and cattle. It’s a sensory bridge connecting consumers to the barns where our food and fiber originate. Just steps away, the Farm-to-Fork station demystifies the supply chain, turning complex agricultural concepts into tangible lessons for the minds of tomorrow.
Cultivating Entrepreneurs at the Country Market
Venture deeper into the pavilion, and you’ll encounter the vibrant hum of commerce at the Country Market—a bustling hub entirely managed and staffed by volunteering FFA members from across the state.
Stocked with over 60 local Indiana produce vendors, the market is a treasure trove of homegrown goods. From handcrafted candles, custom apparel, and sparkling jewelry to locally harvested jams, jellies, and sweet treats like ice cream and popcorn, every shelf tells a story of local grit and ingenuity.
“The entrepreneurship side of the Country Market is very neat,” Stookey explains. “I really like all the candles and stuff, but then also the clothing and attire that you can get in there, that’s very cool. There’s jewelry, and you can get some ice cream or popcorn while you’re in there as well.”
More than just a marketplace, it is a living laboratory. Here, young members hone their marketing chops, network with peers from distant corners of the state, and share the passion of Indiana agriculture directly with the public. Every dollar spent here flows straight back into the Indiana FFA Foundation, fueling scholarships, leadership camps, and chapter events for youth across the Hoosier State.
Open Doors and Enduring Horizons
Whether the summer skies open up in a sudden downpour or the afternoon sun beats down on the asphalt, the Indiana FFA Pavilion remains a steady, welcoming beacon from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays, running through Sunday, August 23rd).
As Stookey and his team look ahead to a packed autumn slate—including Premier Leadership Training and Seeking Opportunities Achieving Results (SOAR) conferences—their mission remains crystal clear: to plant seeds of leadership that will weather any season.
So, if you find yourself wandering the fairgrounds this August, take a moment to step out of the elements and into the Indiana FFA Pavilion. Trade a quick round of free Putt-Putt, share a handful of grain with a curious lamb, and support the young hands and hearts working tirelessly to grow a brighter tomorrow for us all.
