Franklin County 4-H Fair

The Franklin County 4-H Fair is an annual event held over several days in July at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Brookville, Indiana. It features over 500 youth participants showcasing a wide range of agricultural and project exhibits, spanning livestock competitions to non-livestock projects. The fair also offers carnival rides, grandstand events, vendors, and other attractions. Free admission and parking make it accessible and welcoming to the public, and the venue is handicapped accessible.

History and Founding:
The fair is organized as part of the broader 4-H Youth Development program, which has a history of over 100 years in the United States. This youth development program—run through Purdue Extension in Indiana—prepares young people for leadership through hands-on learning experiences supported by volunteers and educators. Franklin County’s 4-H program is active year-round but reaches a peak at this fair where youth can display achievements from their projects and agricultural work.

Surrounding Area and Vibe:
Brookville, located in South Central Indiana, provides a community-oriented rural setting. The fairground venue sits within Franklin County, known for its agricultural heritage and support for youth development programs. The fair atmosphere is family-friendly, educational, and festive, combining traditional fair activities with youth empowerment in agriculture and STEM-related projects.

Activities and Attractions:

• Youth Exhibits: Over 500 participants present livestock such as cattle, swine, sheep, and poultry, as well as projects including crafts, horticulture, and technology.
• Carnival Rides: A variety of rides suitable for all ages add a fun, carnival vibe.
• Grandstand Events: Likely includes livestock shows, rodeo or tractor pulls (typical of county fairs), though specific grandstand event details for 2025 should be confirmed closer to dates.
• Vendor Booths: Local businesses and food vendors offer goods, crafts, and fair foods.
• Junior Fair Activities: Non-livestock projects and events take place in the Junior Fair tent, with registrations typically opening in spring.

Rough Schedule (Typical Fair Week):

• Day 1 (July 14, 2025): Opening day; livestock and project arrivals, setup, early exhibits open.
• Mid-Fair Days (July 15-18): Competitive events including judging for livestock and projects, carnival rides operating daily, vendor booths open, grandstand events scheduled during evenings.
• Final Day (July 19, 2025): Awards ceremony for youth participants, final exhibits viewing, closing festivities.

For detailed daily schedules, grandstand event line-ups, and specific times, the Franklin County 4-H Fair Facebook page and Purdue Extension website offer updates closer to the fair dates.

Accessibility and Contact:
The fairgrounds are handicapped accessible. For questions or program details, contact via the Purdue Extension Franklin County office at (765) 647-3511 or through the official website and Facebook page. The fair is proudly supported by the Extension office staff who also facilitate the 4-H program throughout the year.

In summary, the Franklin County 4-H Fair is a vibrant community event blending youth agricultural education, family entertainment, and local culture in a welcoming county fair environment.