Tag Archives: Indiana State Fair

Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

No matter what the economists say, we’ve got to face it. Times are still tough for Americans, and many companies simply aren’t hiring full-time employees. With that said, I feel pretty lucky to be a Hoosier; many of my friends who live in other states have had a difficult time finding minimum-wage jobs, and they have college degrees!

I’ve had plenty of phone and face-to-face conversations with friends about “life after college.” What are the options if you don’t have a full-time job after graduation? Well, if you’re a fan of waking up early, you could head down to the local Starbucks and see if they’re hiring any baristas. For night owls, perhaps there’s a local 24-hour diner or even the corner pub!

But if you’re trying to enter the “professional world,” maybe Starbucks isn’t your best bet…or maybe …

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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

You know, nothing’s typical at the Indiana State Fair. We’re the biggest fair in the state, attracting nearly 975,000 visitors throughout 17 days. We’ve got “the world’s largest boar” and a 25-foot tall sculpture based upon Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.” We’ve even got gigantic pumpkins, big deals and steep discounts, and real-life bears. (Oh my!)

Not that I’m biased or anything, but we’re the biggest and the best! And we sure aren’t typical. So, let me share a secret with you. It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to reach the “corner office.” You know, once you get to the corner office, it means you’re the big kahuna…the big cheese…you’ve made it to the top! Well guess what, folks? It may all be downhill from here – cause I’ve got the corner office at the Indiana State Fairgrounds!

Really, …

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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

Rumor has it that we’re officially 432 hours away from opening day at the Indiana State Fair. Not that I’m counting or anything, but for those of you who lack math skills (like me), 432 hours = 18 days. Can somebody say, “eeeks?!”

Well, have no fear, Fair fans. For some employees around here, State Fair prep is down to a science! After all, when you work here for 10, 15, 20, even 30+ years, you get into the groove of things after awhile. When you’re an intern, you’ve got to pull yourself up by your bootstraps (flip-flops, in my case) and hang on for a fast-paced ride of a lifetime!

If you’re wondering what goes on pre-Fair, I’ve got a few pictures to share with you. My colleague, Kris Karol, snapped these shots late last week. Pretty soon, …

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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

Social media – talk about a “buzz phrase.” The mere thought of social media evokes some serious emotion from people – You either seem to love and embrace it, or you dread the thought of “tweeting,” “tipping,” or “tagging.”

NEWSFLASH! Here’s the thing: social media is not for every person or every single thing. Well, I guess that’s my opinion, but here’s why: You have to actively update your presence online! Online time = real time. If you’re not willing to update and participate, you might as well stay offline.

The best part about social media is connecting with a virtual community; granted, some of your “friends” and “followers” are neighbors, best buds, and co-workers, but face it, you probably haven’t met face-to-face with a significant portion of your social media community. Why then, would any person (or company, …

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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

Last Tuesday, I shared with you a “Top 10 List of Things I’ve Learned about the Indiana State Fairgrounds.” While there is plenty more where that list came from, this week I’m shifting my focus to writing. Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?

Seriously, whether or not you’re studying communications (like me), employers across the board will take you more seriously if you can write well. But how can you write well if you don’t know where to begin?

Well, you can start by reading and asking a lot of questions. Just ask my boss – I’m sure he’d confirm that I ask plenty of questions. Because I’m an inquisitive person, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the State Fair, agriculture education, the 4-H, FFA, and even musical acts set to perform at this year’s fair, like Drake! As …

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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

Our Great Indiana State Fair is all about food, family, fun, and farmers – I added the farmers. We’re more than just sweet corn and midway rides – although I enjoy both! Education is one of the values the Indiana State Fair holds near-and-dear – the young, the old, and everyone in-between can learn something while attending the fair. I’m 2 ½ weeks into my internship with the fair, and I’d love to share with you some of the things I have learned thus far!

Top Ten Things I’ve Learned Working for the Indiana State Fair

10.) There’s such a thing as deep-fried butter & deep-fried sushi. On the other hand, the Indiana State Fair was the first state fair in the nation to eliminate trans-fat cooking oil.
9.) Horses (and their trainers) are weather-resistant…or maybe weather resilient
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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

Between researching and writing press releases, blogging about Indy Premier Cage Fighting, engaging with the community via social media, attending various meetings, and learning about mission and vision statements, I built a house. Yep, you heard me – a real-life, five-bedroom, two-bathroom home.

OK, for all you skeptics out there, I didn’t exactly build the house with my own two hands, but I did work up a sweat by hammering some nails, dragging a few 2 x 4’s, and helping to carry the “walls.” Last week, Indiana State Fairgrounds commission, board, and staff members, along with hundreds of volunteers from sponsor companies, helped construct a Habitat for Humanity Ag House.

Several Indiana agriculture businesses and organizations have stepped up in a BIG way to make Tamika Allen’s dream of home ownership a reality, showcasing the impact of Indiana’s agriculture, …

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Entry by Courtney Sampson, Marketing and Communications Intern, Indiana State Fair

I’d like to consider myself a “research queen.” Really, I love reading and surfing the Internet; this trait bodes well for me when researching potential internships or future jobs. When I stumbled across the Publicity/Media Relations internship for the Indiana State Fair, I learned that it is the “Year of Pigs.” I’m a Hoosier gal, so the idea of celebrating pork didn’t faze me much. After all, Indiana pork production contributes $3 billion to Indiana’s economy annually! See – told you I like research. Needless to say, my first day on the job really brought the “Year of Pigs” to life…so-to-speak.

One of my responsibilities is to assist Andy Klotz, Director of Publicity & Media Relations for the State Fair, escorting the media to various events at the fairgrounds. My first day coincided with the Indiana …

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