INDIANAPOLIS – The 2022 version of the Indiana State Fair will celebrate the state’s automotive history. The 165th fair is July 29-Aug. 21 at the fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Just like last year, it will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

“Our annual theme celebrates All Things Indiana and the state’s agricultural story,” said Anna F. Whelchel, chief marketing and sales officer for the Indiana State Fair Commission. “Indiana has a rich automotive history and still plays a vital role today. This year, we will celebrate everything from four wheels to four legs – including more than a century of Hoosier heritage and horsepower.”

The theme – Celebrating Indiana’s Automotive Excellence – is presented by Tom Wood Automotive Group.

“Fairgoers can expect to have an immersive automobile experience,” she explained. “This will include classic car collections of cars made in Indiana in the early 1900s through today’s biggest brands and into the future – what’s next for the automotive industry. We’re so thankful to the Tom Wood Automotive Group for going on this journey with us and helping bring this story to life.”

Fair officials announced the theme in April. They said exhibits will include iconic, celebrity cars from movies and books.

“For 2022, we are planning something very special, a monumental year to bring Hoosiers back together at this beloved summer tradition,” Cindy Hoye, the commission’s executive director, said in a press release. “We are putting the pedal to the metal and building momentum to get ready for fun at the speed of summer.”

Jeff Wood, president of the Tom Wood Group, said the company has been family owned and locally operated since 1967. “We are honored to share in the celebration of Indiana’s Automotive Excellence highlighting the rich history and traditions of the automobile,” he said in a release. “It supports our motto of family, service and community.”

Last year’s 18-day fair attracted 830,390 visitors, officials said. The fair was canceled due to COVID-19 in 2020. Attendance in 2019 was 878,857.

The 2022 fair isn’t expected to have any COVID-related restrictions, Whelchel said. “It is our mission to provide an educational and engaging experience for Hoosiers and we can’t wait to welcome fairgoers back this summer.”

In the coming weeks, Whelchel said officials would be announcing some new experiences and attractions for this year’s fair. In addition, visitors can expect familiar favorites, such as carnival rides, fair food, 4-H competitions and free entertainment.

Advance sale single day general admission fair tickets are $10, and advance single day parking is $8. Children 5 and under will be admitted free. For more information, and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.indianastatefair.com.