7-31-26 Eclipse Staff INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Michelle Coy Davis, founder of Eclipse staff and security, is managing a team of about 170 employees each day to handle security and cleaning for the Indiana State Fair. The crew includes security personnel, ID checkers and clean team members, with o perations running from 6 a.m. to midnight for the duration of the 15-day event. Preparation begins well before the gates open. Davis said recruitment typically starts 30 to 45 days before the fair to ensure the staff is ready for the high-traffic environment. The team operates out of a centralized command center in Indianapolis, which serves as the hub for decision-making and staff check-ins. Davis said Eclipse is the only company in Indianapolis with such a facility. “It’s basically our home base where we’re able to make all the decisions there. It’s the check-in process for all of the staff. And so we begin our day there and it’s operational throughout the day, but then we end our day there also,” Davis said. Running a 15-day event comes with logistical demands. Eclipse uses split shifts to manage the long daily schedule, and Davis said the summer heat adds another layer of difficulty. “I think the two biggest parts that is challenging for us, it’s just very long,” Davis said. “And the other part is it just gets hot. So staying hydrated is a big part of what makes it successful and just making sure we have plenty of water and plenty of snacks available too.” Cleaning operations are divided into morning and afternoon shifts, with crews focused on restrooms and spills throughout the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds supply the necessary materials, and the Eclipse team manages their storage and deployment. Davis said keeping the venue clean directly affects the visitor experience. Safety efforts center on educating the public about prohibited items and preparing for peak attendance periods. Crowds grow in the afternoons and evenings, driven by nightly concerts and events such as $2 Tuesdays. “I think the biggest part is the education. I think the fair does a really great job of making sure that the information gets out to the public of what the prohibited items are,” Davis said. “Just being prepared, I think that’s a big part of getting to the fair and having a good time.” Beyond the day-to-day operations, Davis said the contract carries personal significance. As a female business owner and mother of two daughters, she sees the work as a chance to show what is possible for the next generation of women. “I’m hoping to pave the way for them of what their future could be, of being whoever they want to be,” Davis said. “There’s so much opportunity out there, you just gotta go grab it.” Eclipse is currently accepting applications from those interested in joining the fair staff. ...read more read less