As the Elkhart County 4-H Fair looks forward to the future, 2020 Fair President Trent Hostetler hopes to remind fairgoers about the path that led the fair to success. During a celebratory banquet held Wednesday night at the fairgrounds, Hostetler unveiled the logo and theme for the 2020 Elkhart County 4-H Fair: “Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Embrace the …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
LIVESTOCK AUCTION DAY 2019
Generous community members and 4-Hers bolster livestock auction day support Record-breaking amounts raised during goat, lamb and poultry auctions contributed to the $1,145,599 total raised during the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Livestock Auction, held Friday, July 26, at the fairgrounds. But it was the generosity of the community — and a 4-Her determined to give back to the organization …
4-H fair band delights fans
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT The 4-H fair’s “Fair Weather Band” paraded through the fairgrounds during the early part of Elkhart County 4-H Fair week, playing jazz and pop tunes for the whole family. The Fair Weather Band is a group of musicians comprised of current and former members of the Concord High School marching band program. They perform three times a …
Kids decorate chickens, themselves for poultry costume contest
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT Fifteen contestants competed in Tuesday’s poultry costume contest, but the chicken kabob costume snagged the prize. Second-place in the contest was a space-themed chicken costume and third place winner was little red riding hood-themed. Other costumes included a pirate, a bandit, a police officer, a rabbit and a few chefs. A small panel of judges determined the …
Great days ahead as 2019 fair week continues
With four days remaining in this year’s Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Fair Board members are looking forward to hosting larger crowds than at the start of the week. Tuesday marked the midpoint of the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H, which began with a weekend of hot summer days. Fair Board member Mary Nisly is tasked with tracking gate attendance as part …
The 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair is off to a fun start!
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s nine-day run kicked off with the official ribbon at the Elkhart County Community Center (ECCC) as 4-H Fair President Josh Culp performed the Opening Day ceremony. Friday marks the first day of the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair, and the inaugural $5 First Friday event. CLICK HERE to learn more about the $5 First Friday …
Learn about alligator behaviors at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT Kachunga and his alligator come to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair from the swamps of Florida. They have traveled to schools and fairs across the country for nearly 40 years, educating the public about this fascinating species of reptiles. Kachunga and the Alligator will run daily at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Family …
BEAT THE HEAT: 4-Hers trained to care for fair livestock needs
The occasional hot, summer day is to be expected and the upcoming weekend forecast with temperatures expected to top out in the mid-90s is no exception. But with such hot, humid weather, how do animals stay cool at the fair? 4-H volunteers and youth do an excellent job each year of putting the safety of animals at the forefront, according …
BEAT THE HEAT: Keep cool at the fair
With projected high temperatures in the mid-90s and an excessive heat advisory in effect from the National Weather Service through the weekend, Elkhart County 4-H Fair officials, volunteers and local emergency responders have been hard at work, ensuring the safety of all attendees. Cooling centers are planned for the former Eastern Star building and on the south side of Commercial …
2020 Fair Theme Unveiled
As the Elkhart County 4-H Fair looks forward to the future, 2020 Fair President Trent Hostetler hopes to remind fairgoers about the path that led the fair to success. During a celebratory banquet held Wednesday night at the fairgrounds, Hostetler unveiled the logo and theme for the 2020 Elkhart County 4-H Fair: “Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Embrace the …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
LIVESTOCK AUCTION DAY 2019
Generous community members and 4-Hers bolster livestock auction day support Record-breaking amounts raised during goat, lamb and poultry auctions contributed to the $1,145,599 total raised during the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Livestock Auction, held Friday, July 26, at the fairgrounds. But it was the generosity of the community — and a 4-Her determined to give back to the organization …
4-H fair band delights fans
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT The 4-H fair’s “Fair Weather Band” paraded through the fairgrounds during the early part of Elkhart County 4-H Fair week, playing jazz and pop tunes for the whole family. The Fair Weather Band is a group of musicians comprised of current and former members of the Concord High School marching band program. They perform three times a …
Kids decorate chickens, themselves for poultry costume contest
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT Fifteen contestants competed in Tuesday’s poultry costume contest, but the chicken kabob costume snagged the prize. Second-place in the contest was a space-themed chicken costume and third place winner was little red riding hood-themed. Other costumes included a pirate, a bandit, a police officer, a rabbit and a few chefs. A small panel of judges determined the …
Great days ahead as 2019 fair week continues
With four days remaining in this year’s Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Fair Board members are looking forward to hosting larger crowds than at the start of the week. Tuesday marked the midpoint of the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H, which began with a weekend of hot summer days. Fair Board member Mary Nisly is tasked with tracking gate attendance as part …
The 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair is off to a fun start!
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s nine-day run kicked off with the official ribbon at the Elkhart County Community Center (ECCC) as 4-H Fair President Josh Culp performed the Opening Day ceremony. Friday marks the first day of the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair, and the inaugural $5 First Friday event. CLICK HERE to learn more about the $5 First Friday …
Learn about alligator behaviors at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT Kachunga and his alligator come to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair from the swamps of Florida. They have traveled to schools and fairs across the country for nearly 40 years, educating the public about this fascinating species of reptiles. Kachunga and the Alligator will run daily at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Family …
BEAT THE HEAT: 4-Hers trained to care for fair livestock needs
The occasional hot, summer day is to be expected and the upcoming weekend forecast with temperatures expected to top out in the mid-90s is no exception. But with such hot, humid weather, how do animals stay cool at the fair? 4-H volunteers and youth do an excellent job each year of putting the safety of animals at the forefront, according …
BEAT THE HEAT: Keep cool at the fair
With projected high temperatures in the mid-90s and an excessive heat advisory in effect from the National Weather Service through the weekend, Elkhart County 4-H Fair officials, volunteers and local emergency responders have been hard at work, ensuring the safety of all attendees. Cooling centers are planned for the former Eastern Star building and on the south side of Commercial …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
Learn about alligator behaviors at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT Kachunga and his alligator come to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair from the swamps of Florida. They have traveled to schools and fairs across the country for nearly 40 years, educating the public about this fascinating species of reptiles. Kachunga and the Alligator will run daily at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Family …
Jurassic Kingdom show brings dinos to life at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT Elkhart County 4-H Fair visitors can come nose-to-nose with dinosaurs during the Jurassic Kingdom dinosaur demonstration show. Jurassic Kingdom, sponsored by Meijer, is bringing to stage five dinosaurs that are sure to make families laugh. The show will run daily at 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Hollyhock Entertainment Center. Parents, fear not: These …
‘Rhinestone Roper’ brings cowboy camaraderie to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
BY JOY BURTONCORRESPONDENT The Rhinestone Roper is bringing a taste of the wild west to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. People of all ages can witness his cowboy tricks and delights at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day during fair week at the Jayco Family Fun Center. The 40-minute show, sponsored by longtime fair supporters Jayco Inc. …
Muwendo Children’s Choir is Bringing Cultural Diversity to Elkhart County 4-H Fair
The Muwendo Children’s Choir is coming to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Friday, July 19 at Noon and 2 p.m. Known for fast-paced drumming and dancing routines, the choir is bringing an energetic presence to fair this year as part of their “Believe” tour. Muwendo Children’s Choir consists of 15 talented children ages 8 to 13 from Kosovo, Uganda. The …
Can You Handle the Ninja Experience?
The “ninjas” in the Ninja Experience at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair don’t need to visit the midway to spin upside down or hurl themselves in the air. They can do that all on their own. In this half-hour show, performers use their athleticism and agility to complete obstacles and some parkour and freerunning moves to flip and spin across stage. …
Laugh, gasp and applaud the Cincinnati Circus Company
You may not have heard that the Cincinnati Circus Company was coming to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, but this crew of four performers are putting on a show three times a day for the remainder of the fair. Shane, Courtney, Davina and Kevin make up the athletic circus crew that will make you laugh, gasp and applaud every day …
Opening Day 2018: Queen Contests, Cheerleading, Free Admission for Students, Veterans
Excited to get to the fair on opening day? Well, it’s here! The Elkhart County 4-H Fair officially opens today, July 20, at 8:30 a.m. Here are some highlights of what’s going on today, but check out the Elkhart County 4-H Fair website and program for everything that’s happening. Getting into the Fair Today is not only opening day, but …
Rachel Platten brings her ‘Fight Song’ to 4-H Fair Grandstand stage
Empowered the by her inspirational “Fight Song” single, pop singer-songwriter Rachel Platten will bring her entertaining musical style to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Platten, who began her career performing in coffee shops around New York City, will take to the 4-H grandstand stage for a show Wednesday, July 28, 2018. Grandstand seats for are free with the Fair admission ticket, …
LANCO, Walker Hayes added it Elkhart County 4-H Fair grandstand music lineup
Two talented young musical acts have been added to the 2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair grandstand lineup. LANCO, a country act which also features an edge of blues and classic rock, will headline the Tuesday, July 24 show. Joining LANCO will be special guest star Walker Hayes. Grandstand seats for are free with the Fair admission ticket, but $35 reserved …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
Top 10 new(ish) fair food eats
As we count down the remaining days, hours and minutes to opening day of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, here’s a countdown of new (and new-ish) fair foods to try this year! 10. A new food booth located near Heritage Park has a good ol’ fashioned reuben sandwich on their menu. This tasty grilled sandwich composed of corned beef, Swiss …
Bounthanh’s returns to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair
Ready your chopsticks. The wait is over. After a one-year blip, Bounthanh’s Egg Rolls has announced its return to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s Famous Food Row in a flashy new food trailer. Long story short, this fair foodie favorite is under new ownership. Here’s the best part of the story: New owner Marlin Miller plans to continue serving up …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair-born ‘Dilly Dilly Pickle Dog’ earns nationwide fan base
Tim Yoder, a former fair president and current fair board member, is known for his creative — albeit sometimes unconventional — fair food concoctions, and the Dilly Dilly Pickle Dog is no exception. In the months since the 2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Yoder’s latest, greatest idea featuring a hotdog-lined, deep-fried dill pickle has gained national attention, including THIS ARTICLE …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
MEET THE MUSICIANS
JOHN KING John King took serious interest in guitar when he realized he could learn to play his favorite songs by ear — and then use that knowledge to write his own music. “I started by playing familiar melodies and turning them into funny songs with lyrics about my friends.” Although King performed in rock bands, his voice was pure …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair Concert Series extends to six-day run
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair Concert Series, renown for its top-class lineup, has added a sixth day to its traditional five-day run. A stellar showcase of musical talent is planned for the 2019 event. “We are thrilled to be able to expand our concert lineup to include two great performances on opening day of the 2019 fair. We hope to …
2018 Fair Parade Back to Usual Route
While last year’s Elkhart County 4-H Fair Parade included a detour around downtown Goshen construction, this year’s route is back to the usual. The parade, set for Sunday, July 22, will once again begin at Linway Plaza, moving east along Lincoln Avenue, then south on Main Street and east on Madison Street, before a short jog south on U.S. 33 …
Rachel Platten brings her ‘Fight Song’ to 4-H Fair Grandstand stage
Empowered the by her inspirational “Fight Song” single, pop singer-songwriter Rachel Platten will bring her entertaining musical style to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Platten, who began her career performing in coffee shops around New York City, will take to the 4-H grandstand stage for a show Wednesday, July 28, 2018. Grandstand seats for are free with the Fair admission ticket, …
LANCO, Walker Hayes added it Elkhart County 4-H Fair grandstand music lineup
Two talented young musical acts have been added to the 2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair grandstand lineup. LANCO, a country act which also features an edge of blues and classic rock, will headline the Tuesday, July 24 show. Joining LANCO will be special guest star Walker Hayes. Grandstand seats for are free with the Fair admission ticket, but $35 reserved …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair preparing for an even bigger, better future
Visions for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s future are looking well beyond this summer’s 2018 run. In fact, a broad initiative is eyeing the next two decades and beyond. Coming generations of 4-H’ers and guests will share in a landscape being sculpted to make the already expansive fairgrounds bigger and better than ever. Tabbed as “The Master Plan” by the …
Daughtry to bring Grammy-nominated music act to 4-H grandstand for 2018
American Idol, meet the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Chris Daughtry, who rose to national musical prominence with a powerful, popular run through the 2006 season of the hit television series “American Idol,” will bring his Grammy-nominated band, Daughtry, to the 4-H grandstand for a marquee Saturday night show in 2018. The concert is scheduled for July 21 at 8 p.m., …
Casting Crowns will perform at the 2018 Fair
Grammy award-winning group, Casting Crowns will be taking the grandstand stage Monday, July 23, during the 2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair. The band currently holds the position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007. CCM band Casting Crowns has achieved sales milestones with 10 million album sells including one RIAA 2x multi-Platinum album, four RIAA Platinum albums, two …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair board approves price adjustments for 2018 event
After nearly a decade of level pricing structure, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair will make adjustments for the 2018 event. Beginning next summer, gate entry at the fairgrounds during the Fair’s 9-day run will move to $10, though children age 9-and-under will still admitted free of charge. Online and pre-sale Fair tickets have been set at $8, and as an …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair preparing for an even bigger, better future
Visions for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s future are looking well beyond this summer’s 2018 run. In fact, a broad initiative is eyeing the next two decades and beyond. Coming generations of 4-H’ers and guests will share in a landscape being sculpted to make the already expansive fairgrounds bigger and better than ever. Tabbed as “The Master Plan” by the …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair board approves price adjustments for 2018 event
After nearly a decade of level pricing structure, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair will make adjustments for the 2018 event. Beginning next summer, gate entry at the fairgrounds during the Fair’s 9-day run will move to $10, though children age 9-and-under will still admitted free of charge. Online and pre-sale Fair tickets have been set at $8, and as an …
4-H Finds: Lost & Found collection at the Fairgrounds might surprise you
Think about it. Did you get home from your trip to this year’s Elkhart County 4-H Fair and realize you left something behind? Maybe you went to get your reading glasses and couldn’t find them. Don’t be shocked to discover that the 4-H office in Goshen has your item in hand. If you lost it, the Fair may have found …
It’s a wrap: 4-H Fair draws near record numbers across the board
Fed by rain-free weather, a large Kids’ Day gate and a stuffed-to-the-rafters grandstand crowd for the final-night Demolition Derby show, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair rang up near record numbers for the 2017 edition. The nine-day run from July 21 to July 29 resulted in 202,560 guests at the 4-H Fairgrounds, including a single-day high of 27,178 on Wednesday, July …
4-H Fair Day 9: A stunning week of fans, food and 4-H’ers hits final day
It’s been a whirlwind 2017 season for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair … a stunning week of fans, 4-H’ers, food and fabulous weather. Saturday’s forecast calls for more brilliant sunshine and a high in the upper 70s. The midway rides will open at noon and it’s the final Wristband Day. The $25 wristbands will be sold until 4:30 and can …
4-H Memories: Young family still finds way to enjoy ‘Daddy’s Fair’
Chloe Leighty knows there’s a county fair each year just a few miles from her Warsaw home. But there is nothing quite like, “Daddy’s fair.” For many of his 15 years as an Elkhart Truth reporter and for the last four summers as a volunteer freelance writer, Chloe’s dad, Justin Leighty, was a fixture at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. …
4-H Fair Day 6: A busy day for the kids on the midway and in the judging areas
It’s beautiful day to grab a fistful of tickets and enjoy some rides — but Wednesday is all about Kids’ Day. For all kids, midway rides only require 1 ticket from 1 p.m. until the 11 p.m. closing. For smaller children, a Super Special Kiddieland Wristband is available for $12, which can be used from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s …
4-H Fair Day 5: Martina McBride brings country superstar act to concert stage
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair concert has done it again, bringing yet another country music superstar to its grandstand stage. On Tuesday night, award-winning artist Martina McBride brings her renowned sound and will be joined by Amanda Watkins. McBride, a 14-time Grammy Award nominee, has been nominated more than 50 times for other music association honors since signed to RCA …
4-H Fair Day 4: Sweltering heat gone just in time for another Wristband Day
Phew! The humid, upper-80s heat which blanketed much of the Elkhart County’s 4-H Fair’s opening weekend is giving way to what looks like a spectacular weather day on Monday. Partly cloudy skies and more relaxing summer temperatures should brighten Day 4 at the Fairgrounds with an expected high around 75. It’ll provide the perfect backdrop for another 4-H Wristband Day. …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair Expands Programs and Welcomes New Staff
Former Marketing Coordinator, Kristy Ambrosen, accepts newly created Fair Programming Coordinator position with the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Meanwhile, Jeremy D’Angelo joins the team as the new Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator. Ambrosen has extensive history with the Fair, having been a staff member for over 23 years. In her new position, she is responsible for developing new programs and events …
2020 Fair Theme Unveiled
As the Elkhart County 4-H Fair looks forward to the future, 2020 Fair President Trent Hostetler hopes to remind fairgoers about the path that led the fair to success. During a celebratory banquet held Wednesday night at the fairgrounds, Hostetler unveiled the logo and theme for the 2020 Elkhart County 4-H Fair: “Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Embrace the …
2019 fair attendance finishes strong
After a hot and humid start, attendance at the 2019 Elkhart County 4-H Fair finished strong, with 183,646 visitors to the fairgrounds this year. The nine-day run began Friday, July 19, and concluded Saturday, July 27. The theme for this year’s event was “4-H: The Information Highway to the Future.” Preliminary attendance totals recorded through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s …
Elkhart County 4-H Fair preparing for an even bigger, better future
Visions for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s future are looking well beyond this summer’s 2018 run. In fact, a broad initiative is eyeing the next two decades and beyond. Coming generations of 4-H’ers and guests will share in a landscape being sculpted to make the already expansive fairgrounds bigger and better than ever. Tabbed as “The Master Plan” by the …
Daughtry to bring Grammy-nominated music act to 4-H grandstand for 2018
American Idol, meet the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Chris Daughtry, who rose to national musical prominence with a powerful, popular run through the 2006 season of the hit television series “American Idol,” will bring his Grammy-nominated band, Daughtry, to the 4-H grandstand for a marquee Saturday night show in 2018. The concert is scheduled for July 21 at 8 p.m., …
Casting Crowns will perform at the 2018 Fair
Grammy award-winning group, Casting Crowns will be taking the grandstand stage Monday, July 23, during the 2018 Elkhart County 4-H Fair. The band currently holds the position as Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007. CCM band Casting Crowns has achieved sales milestones with 10 million album sells including one RIAA 2x multi-Platinum album, four RIAA Platinum albums, two …
4-H Fair Day 6: A busy day for the kids on the midway and in the judging areas
It’s beautiful day to grab a fistful of tickets and enjoy some rides — but Wednesday is all about Kids’ Day. For all kids, midway rides only require 1 ticket from 1 p.m. until the 11 p.m. closing. For smaller children, a Super Special Kiddieland Wristband is available for $12, which can be used from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s …
4-H Fair Day 3: Sunday’s lineup kicks off with a parade, wraps with powerful musical show
The 4-H Fair Parade is all but ready and lined up for another grand tour through Goshen. Led by Grand Marshal Dean Morehouse and newly-crowned Junior Fair Queen Samantha Shank, the bands, floats and displays will begin their trek beginning at Linway Plaza in Goshen at 1:30 p.m. and navigating their way to the grandstand at the Elkhart County …
Fair travel: Alternate routes, patience will help ease the traffic flow in 2017
Elkhart County 4-H Fair fans can relax and breathe easier. There are still plenty of ways to the fairgrounds this year even with the variety of road improvement projects in Goshen. And the new South Gate entrance route, completed in 2016, is being encouraged as a vital thoroughfare for fair-goers entering Goshen from all parts of the county. The gate …
When Is Road Construction A Good Thing? Right Now!
Road construction usually makes people groan, but the Elkhart County 4-H Fair has started a road project that should bring a smile to many people’s faces. Here’s why: It’s not causing any traffic problems. During the fair, it’s going to solve major traffic problems. Construction has started on our new road which runs from the fair parking lots to C.R. …