By Sherri Coner
Got a hankering for a fresh, messy elephant ear?
Your wait is nearly over.
Opening day is July 16 for the Johnson County 4-H & Agricultural Fair.
This full week of history-making fun started more than 180 years ago and includes cooking demonstrations, home economics displays, lots of food tents with seating, lemon shake-ups and cotton candy. Don’t forget the Hillbilly hotdogs, truck pulls, demo derby two nights in a row, musical entertainment and so much more.
Like every other year, fair officials have worked diligently to provide something for everyone in the county to enjoy, said Shalee Bradley of Trafalgar, a first-year fair board member.
Here are a few highlights for 2023’s fair fun:
Sunday, July 16
9 a.m.: Every day, NorseWoodsmen wood carvers share their amazing talents. Stop by to watch! You might awaken your own inner woodworker.
1 p.m.: Don’t miss the parade of pets, where the critters (and the kids!) have occasional listening problems. Registration begins at noon in the indoor arena.
1 p.m.: Throw some axes with award-winning members of Johnson County Axe Throwing (Northeast corner of Herring).
1 p.m.: Black and White Market opens (East end of Herring Hall).
“It’s all cash and carry,” Bradley said of this new event. “Everything is grown or processed in Indiana. Things like soap and honey will be for sale.”
3 p.m.: Little Miss and Mr. Johnson County Contest in the indoor arena
7 p.m.: Flat Drags in the grandstands
7 p.m.: Miss Johnson County Fair Queen Contest in the indoor arena
Monday, July 17
5 p.m.: The Midway opens
6 to 11 p.m.: Moonlight Madness officially begins. Buy an unlimited ride bracelet for $30.
7 p.m.: Indiana’s very popular Blue River Band performs (behind the Farm Bureau building).
7 p.m.: Join us in the grandstands to watch Micro Wrestling Federation, hailing all the way from Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Tuesday, July 18
3 to 9 p.m.: A mobile glass blowing studio demonstrates the magic of mixing glass with fire.
7 p.m.: Sprint Kart Nationals Showdown (in the grandstands).
Wednesday, July 19
Another important day in the livestock barns for 4-H kids and their families.
After participating for 10 years in 4-H herself, Bradley has an understandable soft spot for all the hard-working, dedicated kids with animals in the barns. Their competitive showcases of cattle, hogs, sheep and goats are scheduled all week.
7 p.m.: Watermelon seed spitting contest
7 p.m.: Truck & Tractor Pull in the grandstands
Thursday, July 20
6 p.m.: Moonlight Madness on the Midway. Purchase an unlimited ride bracelet for $30.
7 p.m.: Farmer’s Olympics (north end of the indoor arena).
7 p.m.: Straw Scramble (kids ages 3 to 10; four age groups).
7 p.m.: Full-Throttle Monster Truck Show (grandstands).
Friday, July 21
6 to 11 p.m.: Weekend Midway Madness. Buy an unlimited ride bracelet for $35.
7 p.m.: Demolition Derby in the grandstands
Saturday, July 22
1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.: Quack Pack Sheep Dog Demonstration. This is yet another new event for the fair, Bradley said. “They’ll show border collies herding ducks. It’s really cute.”
7 p.m.: Demolition Derby in the grandstands
Fireworks display after dark.
When you and your kids need a break from the Midway and lots of walking, seek out 2023’s Family Fun Zone, located east of Fitzpatrick Hall (Opens on Sunday). All kids, especially toddlers and early elementary school-aged children, can play in a safe environment while parents and grandparents rest.
Back by popular demand, it’s the fun stuff of Barnyard Party Pals. You might expect to see a calf and a couple of goats. But in this funny barnyard, porcupines might show up. You might spot a parade of ducks waddling across the barnyard and all of a sudden, there’s a camel, too. Stop by and see how many different animals are in this silly barnyard.
Recognizing 10-year 4-H members in Johnson County
4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization in which kids build life skills by leading hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and, civic engagement. Involvement in the 4-H for 10 years takes a lot of time, commitment and a passion for the program. Recognized as a 10-year member for at the Johnson County Fair this year is:
Chanze Arthur
Beau Baker
Lyla Blackwell
Madison Brandon
Logan Britt
Noelle Bryan
Ella Burgett
Jasper Carter
Joshua Case
Amsi Cory
Dylan Day
Madyson Dearth
Lea Denney
Kara Dougherty
Logan Duke
Elizabeth Elliott
Levi Farmer
Daniel Foster
Wyatt Fulkerson
Grace Gagne
Daniel Gollahon
Samuel Graves
Jackson Henry
Elijah Hitz
Grace Ison
Riley Johnson
Zoey Lawson
Mallory Luse
Madison Malott
Mason McCann
Grace McCarty
Rachel McDonald
Gweneal Metzler
Lily Miles
Karlee Monday
Abby Mullis
Ethan Myers
Mila Owens
Nathan Owens
Olivia Perry
Alexander Roepke
Tyler Rumble
Benjamin Salyers
Seth Sanders
Morgan Sandrock
Trevor Sichting
Ethan Spiegel
Skylar Stewart
Eran Treibic
Ethan Winnett
