4-H fair will celebrate 150 years


This year’s Elkhart County 4-H Fair is themed “Celebrating 150 Years of 4-H & Agriculture.”

“The grain bins and crops represent my involvement in agriculture and the livestock represent the 4-H clubs I was in, beef and swine along with the 4-H logo representing us being a 4-H fair,” said Board President Fred Jessup.

The 2023 event will mark the 150th Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Jessup said he is honored to hold the leadership role on such an important milestone in the Elkhart County 4-H Fair history.

The Elkhart County Fair began in the year 1851 (more than 170 years ago) for the purpose of the community coming together to celebrate its accomplishments in agriculture, said a news release. Over the years, the fair has not always been able to host an annual event due to the civil war, financial hardships in the early 1900s and reducing its size to 4-H shows only in 2020 due to the pandemic.

When asked about his plans for the 2023 Fair, Jessup said, “Working on the history of the fair and how we have evolved from an agricultural exposition to a 4-H fair. As I was a 10-year 4-H member our goal is to be able to put on the best possible Fair for our youth to showcase their 4-H projects … I am excited to highlight agriculture for the Elkhart County 4-H Fairs sesquicentennial year. I am looking forward to planning and working with all of our Board members, staff and volunteers to continue the tradition of being one the best county fairs in the country”

The 2023 Fair will be held July 21-29 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen.

Through the years, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair has evolved into one of the largest fairs in the state of Indiana, hosting more than 200,000 guests annually during its nine-day run. Backed with strong community financial support, the fairgrounds have expanded from 48 acres in the early 1900s to a 380- acre facility with more than 70 structures that are utilized year-round. The fair remains largely produced by a volunteer board of more than 130 members and an average of 10 year-staff members. It continues its mission as a showcase for more than 3,800 4-H youth each year.

:The Elkhart County 4-H Fair prides itself on promoting agriculture, youth development, and family-friendly entertainment in Elkhart County and the greater Michiana area,” said the news release. “With grandstand concerts, world-famous food, top-notch youth competitions, and a plethora of entertainment, there is something for everyone at the fair.”

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