The fun begins July 18 as the 2013 Hamilton County 4-H Fair officially opens to the public. As the days click away before the start, 4-H projects are being judged and displayed inside various buildings and the approximate 1,600 livestock animals that will call the 4-H fairgrounds home for the next few days will move in July 17.
There is no charge for admission or parking at the 4-H Fair, and most activities are also free.
Hamilton County 4-H Youth Development Leader Kathleen Bohde said projects from the 1,963 4-H’ers will be on display to the community – showcasing the work and knowledge gained by participants.
“The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is a great way to showcase agriculture and to remind county residents where their food and fibers come from,” she said. “The whole process is learning. From aerospace to veterinary science, 4-H has something for everyone.”
Hamilton County Purdue Extension officials estimate between 10,000 and 20,000 people will attend this year’s fair. Because the fair does not charge admission, officials say they have no way of knowing the exact attendance each year.
“It’s a great family atmosphere,” said Susan Peterson, Hamilton County Purdue extension director. “The fair is fun for all ages.”
A cake reception to honor the 4-H fair’s 75th anniversary will be at 6:30 p.m. July 18 in Exhibition Center Hall B. Special events for the 2013 4-H Fair include the Silly Safari Animal Show (July 20, 3:30 p.m.), Demolition Derby (July 21, 7 p.m.) and a blood drive sponsored by the Hamilton County 4-H Council and the Indiana Blood Center (July 19, 2-6 p.m.) Blood drive participants will receive special discounts for fair food.
The fair isn’t just for 4-H’ers.
In addition to the food, animals, projects and various events, the community has several opportunities to showcase its talents. Open events for the public to participate include the Pet Parade, homemade ice cream contest, youth talent contest, youth and adult tractor pulls and Farmer Olympics
A new feature this year is two ATMS on the fairgrounds. Bohde said one machine will be placed outside near the food court and the other will be around the Extension Homemaker’s kitchen in the Exhibition Center.
“People had stopped in and asked about them,” Bohde said. “It’s more convenient for fairgoers… It helps the public out since no one on the grounds takes credit cards.”
Sarah Hammer and Kerilyn Schmidt are second-year members of 4-H. Both are looking forward to the start of the fair because they enjoy seeing the various projects and seeing the rewards of theirs.
“I can’t wait to see what ribbons I get,” Jolly Rogers 4-H Club member Hammer said.
“I like looking at other people’s projects because it’s fun,” Schmidt, a member of the newly formed Fishers Showstoppers 4-H club, said. “I also enjoy showing pigs.”
Christy Kettler is a member of the Jackson Hotshots 4-H Club and a 10-year member.
“I’m looking forward to my last shows with all my friends I grew up with,” she said. “This being my last time makes me sad.”
One thing all 4-H’ers can agree on is how much they look forward to the fair food. Proceeds from all the food vendors support Hamilton County 4-H and other community programs – and everyone has their favorites.
“Vanilla milk shakes,” Schmidt said.
“The grilled cheese and milk shakes,” Kettler said.