Plenty to do and see at the 2023 4-H Fair

The 2023 Fulton County 4-H Fair returns to the fairgrounds July 7-15. The event is a celebration of all things 4-H, featuring the fruits of county residents’ hard work and creativity. And along with the myriad livestock and horse shows, pageants and exhibits, this year’s fair brings a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, competitive events, such as autocross races, Farmer Olympics and much more.

Featured activities throughout the week include the Miss Fulton County Queen Pageant, 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 7, at Rochester Community High School. On Saturday, July 8, autocross races will take off from the Clauson Amphitheater, and at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9, Vesper services will be held at Jud Hudkins Arena, followed at 7 p.m. by honors night.

Tractor pulls of all types are always favorite events at the 4-H fair, and the big tractors will vie for domination at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, in Hudkins Arena. The antique tractor pull will be at 5 p.m. Friday, July 14, in Hudkins Arena.

Yet another fair favorite, the annual demolition derby, is the final event of the fair at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15, in the amphitheater. This year also features Farmer Olympics at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, in the amphitheater.

Live music at this year’s fair includes the country stylings of Kate Karter from 6-9 p.m. Monday, July 10, in the free tent. Alec Swank will also perform in the free tent from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 14. The free tent will also feature a movie night, starting at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

Also, Fulton County Choral Club will perform at Ladies Night at the fair, which runs from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, in the Community Building.

Of course, there will be many more activities for all ages every day of the fair. And it is well worth simply walking through the many buildings filled with all manner of sights and sounds. Admission to the fairgrounds is free, though some featured events charge admission ranging from $5 to $10.

Daily parking at the fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester, is $2 after 4 p.m. A weekly parking pass is $10. Free parking nights are also available, starting Sunday, July 9, sponsored by the Fulton County Fair Association, with a canned good donation. There is also free parking with a canned good donation Monday, July 10, sponsored by Smith Family Farms; Tuesday, July 11, sponsored by 1st Source Bank; Wednesday, July 12, sponsored by RTC Communications; and Thursday, July 13, sponsored by Smith Family Farms.

For more information, visit Purdue Extension Fulton County 4-H Clubs or Fulton County Fair Board on Facebook. Call the extension office at (574) 223-3397.