4-H Fair in Full Swing

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is in full swing at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St. Some of today’s highlights include barbecue lunches and dinners from the rabbit and poultry producers, breakfast and lunch from Extension Homemakers and a blood drive. The fair runs tonight until 9 p.m. and then picks back up tomorrow morning. Most activities conclude Monday but the final fair event is the 4-H Livestock Auction Tuesday evening at 6:30.

The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers are sponsoring an open Food & Craft Show during the 4-H Fair. The contest is open to any Hamilton County resident or Hamilton County Extension Homemaker over the age of 18. Entries are submitted for closed judging on Saturday at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Entries will be on display Saturday-Monday.

Food divisions include breads, cakes, cookies, pies, convenience foods, preservation and homemade candy. Craft divisions include needlecraft, knitting, quilts, crocheting, creative ideas, painting and drawing, photography and heritage skills. To obtain a complete list of guidelines, divisions and classes, please stop by the Purdue Extension Hamilton County Office or contact 317-776-0854. Entry forms are available online or you may register from 8:30-10 a.m. on Saturday. An entry fee of $2 per item is payable at time of entry.

The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers are made up of nearly 150 volunteers committed to strengthening the homes of Hamilton County. The mission of the Indiana Extension Homemakers Association (IEHA) is “To strengthen families through continuing education, leadership development, and volunteer community support”. For more information about the Extension Homemakers or the Purdue Extension Service of Hamilton County, visit https://puext.in/hamcohomemakers

ICE CREAM CONTEST

Bring the family recipe and join the fun at the Homemade Ice Cream Contest, which will beheld at 6:30 p.m. on the east side of the Show Arena. The contest is open to all Hamilton County residents. It is sponsored by Bill and Wanda Root.

Each team (2-4 people) will have 40 minutes to make their favorite ice cream recipe. Prizes will be awarded in youth and adult categories for electric freezer and hand crank freezer.

Participants using recipes with eggs must use cooked eggs, egg substitutes, or powdered eggs. Teams must furnish their own supplies and register in the Purdue Extension Hamilton County Office by noon, Friday. Click the Hamilton County 4-H Fair link for more information. Forms are also available in the Purdue Extension Hamilton County Office.

PET PARADE

Youth and their pets can explore their creativity by dressing in costumes to participate in the Hamilton County 4-H Pet Parade Sunday during the Hamilton County 4-H Fair. The Pet Parade will be held at the Fairgrounds at 5 p.m. This year’s Pet Parade is sponsored by Pet Suites.

Participants must be 2-8 years of age and be accompanied by their favorite pet. All participants will receive a ribbon and awards will be given to the most creative participants. Participants are to report to the Rabbit Tent at 4:30 p.m. for registration. Proof of current rabies vaccinations MUST be provided at time of registration. Immediately following the event, all Pet Parade pets must leave the 4-H Fairgrounds.

TALENT CONTEST

Hamilton County youth can showcase their talent by signing up to participate in the Hamilton County Talent Contest on Monday. The contest will be held in Exhibition Center Hall A.

There will be a junior contest for ages 12 and under beginning at 2 p.m. The senior contest for ages 13-21 will begin at 3:30 p.m. Applications are due to the Purdue Extension Hamilton County office by noon Saturday. Space is limited. Winners of each category will advance to the youth talent contest at the Indiana State Fair.

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is organized and sponsored by the Hamilton County 4-H Council, Inc. and Purdue Extension Hamilton County. For more information on the 4-H Fair or the Purdue Extension Service, contact Purdue Extension Hamilton County at 317-776-0854 or visit puext.in/hamilton. A complete schedule of events can be found by clicking the 4-H Fair link. More information can be found on our social media channels: FaceBook – @HamiltonCountyIN4H, Instagram – @hamiltonco4h, and X- @PurdueExtHamCo.