About This Festival
Overview of the Gibson County Fair
The Gibson County Fair, held annually in Princeton, Indiana, stands as Indiana’s oldest continuously running county fair, with roots dating back to 1852—the same year as the founding of the Indiana State Fair. Over its 169-year history, the fair has grown into a beloved local tradition, offering a lively week of family-friendly activities, agricultural exhibits, heart-racing entertainment, and nightly performances. The 2025 edition will run from Sunday, July 6, to Saturday, July 12, with most events taking place at the Gibson County Fairgrounds, a versatile venue equipped for both large and small gatherings.
Surrounding Area and Event Vibe
Location & Setting:
Princeton, Indiana, is a welcoming small town in Gibson County, situated in the southwestern part of the state. The fairgrounds, located at 709 North Embree Street, are easily accessible and offer free parking, making attendance convenient for both local residents and visitors from across the region. The venue accommodates crowds comfortably, with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces designed for a variety of attractions and seating options.
Vibe:
The Gibson County Fair is a true community celebration, famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and energetic evening entertainment. The event blends traditional agricultural heritage with modern thrill rides, motorsports, and live music, ensuring a dynamic experience for all ages. There’s a strong sense of local pride, with many attendees returning year after year to reconnect with friends and family.
Event History & Founding
Established in 1852, the Gibson County Fair is one of Indiana’s most storied fairs, predated only by a handful of state fairs in the U.S. It began as an agricultural exhibition for local farmers to showcase livestock and produce, but has since evolved into a multifaceted festival. Today, it remains a staple of summer life in Gibson County, preserving its agricultural roots while embracing new forms of entertainment and community engagement.
Activities & Attractions
Grandstand Events (Nightly, 7:00 PM)
- Pro Pulling League Truck and Tractor Pulls: Witness powerful machines in action during organized pulls, drawing crowds to the main grandstand.
- Monster Truck Show / BIGFOOT 50th Anniversary Celebration: A highlight featuring the iconic monster truck BIGFOOT and a free pit party for fans.
- Demolition Derby: High-energy demolition derbies, including scrapper and reverse races, draw enthusiastic crowds.
- Sanctioned Rodeo: Family-friendly, Western-themed rodeo events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and more.
- Limited Weld Car Races: Fast-paced local car racing, including Big Cars, Mini Cars, and Gut & Go classes.
- Youth Mower Derby: A unique and fun competition for younger participants.
Concerts & Music
- Saturday Night Concert: Up-and-coming and nationally recognized musical acts, with beer garden access.
- Headliner: Colt Ford (July 11, 8:00 PM): A major concert event, with optional track-side seating and beer garden access.
- Live Music Every Night: Local and regional musicians on the Local Talent Stage, ensuring nightly entertainment.
Agricultural & 4-H Activities
- Livestock Shows and Exhibits: Daily demonstrations and competitions, highlighting county agriculture.
- New Generation Dairy Display: Interactive exhibits and educational opportunities.
- 4-H Schedule: Youth agricultural projects and presentations throughout the week.
Special Days & Activities
- Kiddie Day (Tuesday): Activities and events tailored for children, including free games and prizes.
- Bear Hollow Wood Carving Show: Live carving demonstrations and art displays.
- Fire Department Displays: Local fire and emergency services exhibits.
- Registrations for Games & Prizes: Opportunities for attendees to participate and win.
Midway & Rides
- Classic Fair Rides: Thrilling rides for all ages, with ride tickets and daily armbands available.
- Food Vendors: A variety of classic fair food, including local specialties.
Beauty Pageants
- Miss Gibson County Fair Pageant: A long-standing tradition, featuring contestants vying for the title.
- Gibson County Sweetheart, Princess, and Little Miss: Additional pageants celebrating local youth.
Rough Event Schedule & Locations
Daily Operations (July 6–12)
| Day | Morning (11:00 AM–Noon) | Afternoon | Evening (7:00 PM) | Late Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Registration for games/prizes, agriculture | Dairy display, carving show | Pro Pulling League Truck & Tractor Pull | Local Talent Stage, rides |
| Monday | 4-H activities, livestock shows | Youth mower derby, agricultural exhibits | Monster Truck Show, BIGFOOT Pit Party | Fair rides |
| Tuesday | Kiddie Day activities, free games/prizes | Family games, fire dept. demo | Demolition Derby, scrapper races | Music, rides |
| Wednesday | 4-H, livestock, agriculture | Carving show, dairy display | Limited Weld Car Races (Big Cars, Mini Cars) | Local music, rides |
| Thursday | Agricultural exhibits | Youth activities | Sanctioned Rodeo (MSRA/IRPA) | Beer garden, live music |
| Friday | Livestock, agriculture | Special exhibits, youth events | Another night of racing/demos | Family activities, rides |
| Saturday | Pageant preliminaries, agriculture | Final exhibits, games, prizes | Colt Ford Concert (8:00 PM, grandstand) | Fair closes, rides till late |
Locations:
- Main Grandstand: Nightly headline events, concerts, truck/tractor pulls, monster trucks, demolition derby, rodeo, car races.
- Local Talent Stage: Music, talent shows, afternoon entertainment.
- Agricultural Barns & Livestock Areas: 4-H, livestock shows, education displays.
- Midway: Rides, games, food vendors.
- Beer Garden: Saturday concert, evening gatherings.
Admission & Additional Information
- Daily Admission: $8, includes grandstand seating and parking.
- Season Pass: $35, covers all days plus the Miss Gibson County Fair Pageant.
- Ride Tickets/Armbands: $1.50 per ticket (rides require 2–4 tickets), or $25 for a ride armband (5:00 PM–closing, one day only).
- Handicapped Accessible: The fairgrounds are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- More Info: Contact the fair office by phone or visit the official website for schedules, vendor info, and updates.
Summary
The Gibson County Fair is a vibrant celebration of rural Indiana life, blending tradition with excitement. Its storied history, welcoming atmosphere, and packed schedule of grandstand events, agricultural exhibits, live music, and carnival rides make it a must-visit summer destination for families, thrill-seekers, and music fans alike. Whether you’re there for the monster trucks, the rodeo, the concert, or simply to enjoy the community spirit, the fair offers something unforgettable for everyone.