Boone County 4-H Fair

The Boone County 4-H Fair is a week-long family-friendly event held at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Indiana, from July 20 to July 26, 2025. It features agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, fair food, entertainment, and various activities suitable for all ages. The gates are typically open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with a parking charge applied, and the venue is handicapped accessible.

Surrounding Area and Venue

The fairgrounds are located at 1300 E 100 S, Lebanon, Indiana, about 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, offering easy access via I-65 at Exit 138. The area is semi-rural, characteristic of Boone County’s agricultural background. The fairgrounds host many events year-round, including weddings, trade shows, auctions, and livestock shows, which underscores the space’s versatility and community importance.

Event Vibe

The fair’s atmosphere is festive, family-oriented, and community-driven. It celebrates rural life and 4-H youth programs while providing wholesome entertainment. Many locals attend to enjoy traditional fair food, watch competitive livestock judging, and participate in special fair-related activities that encourage community spirit and youth development.

Activities and Attractions

• Livestock Exhibits and Competitions: Including 4-H feeder calf, beef, dairy, rabbits, horses and ponies, antique tractors, and dog agility competitions.
• 4-H Fair Fun Run: A community fun run event held in the evening, often following the opening ceremonies.
• Opening Ceremonies: Feature flag raising and live patriotic music, for example, a performance by Tom Melville at the Lilly Family Pavilion.
• Family Kick-Off Events: Following the opening ceremonies, designed to engage children and families in games and activities.
• Award Presentations: Such as 4-H dog final awards, presented during the fair.
• Food and Vendor Booths: Serving classic fair cuisine and local products.
• Fair Clean-Up: Scheduled on the Sunday following the fair, involving the community in tidying the grounds.

Rough Schedule Highlights (Sample Day)

• 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Livestock entry and weigh-in (state bank cattle barn)
• 9:00 a.m.: Rabbit agility and antique tractor displays
• 5:00 p.m.: Flag raising and opening ceremonies (Boone REMC Center Circle)
• 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.: Patriotic music performance (Lilly Family Pavilion)
• 6:30 p.m.: Registration for 4-H Fair Fun Run
• 7:00 p.m.: Start of 4-H Fair Fun Run
• 8:30 p.m.: 4-H dog final award presentation (Centennial Hall North)
• 9:00 p.m.: Release of llamas and dairy after open show

History and Founding

The Boone County 4-H Fair has its roots in Indiana’s 4-H youth development program. It was established to give young people a platform to showcase their agricultural projects, livestock, and skills in a public setting, fostering learning and community engagement. Over the years, it has grown into a major annual event in Boone County, celebrating the rural heritage and supporting the educational mission of 4-H.

The fairgrounds at Lebanon provide the physical home for this tradition with modern facilities and accessibility features, ensuring the event remains welcoming to all members of the community.

For more details, including vendor information, contact details, or specific event times, the Boone County 4-H Extension website and fairgrounds’ direct phone line can be consulted.