About This Festival

The Vermillion County Fair in Cayuga, Indiana, is a week-long family-oriented agricultural fair running from June 14 to June 21, 2025, held at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds. It is a vibrant event primarily showcasing 4-H youth projects, livestock shows, grandstand entertainment, and a wide array of fair foods. The fair is handicapped accessible and provides free parking and free admission to 4-H exhibits[5][6][1].

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings:
Located at 325 E Maple St in Cayuga, the fairgrounds offer a welcoming rural community vibe with a strong focus on agricultural education and family fun. The environment is lively, bustling with families, community members, and 4-H participants who have spent the year preparing projects. The fairground setup involves volunteers and 4-H families, creating a community-driven atmosphere[1][4].

History and Founding:
While exact founding details are not directly listed, Vermillion County Fair has a long-standing tradition emphasizing "learning by doing" through 4-H youth activities, highlighting the region’s agricultural heritage. The fair is managed by the Vermillion County Fair Board, which organizes open class exhibits and livestock events supporting community engagement in agriculture and youth development[4][6].

Activities and Events at the Fair:

  • 4-H Project Exhibitions: Members of 4-H display projects they have worked on throughout the year, including crafts, sciences, agriculture, and livestock. Participation requires compliance with livestock care training, emphasizing youth education in animal welfare[4][2].

  • Livestock Shows: Featuring beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and rabbits, these competitions are a major highlight and deeply involve local youth in agricultural skills. Certification through the Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care program or YQCA online training is mandatory for livestock exhibitors[4].

  • Grandstand Events: Nightly entertainment at the grandstand includes exciting activities such as demolition derbies—especially noted is the large Saturday night demolition derby event known to draw large crowds[5].

  • Fair Food: A variety of classic fair foods and drinks are available, contributing to the festive atmosphere and local cuisine experience[5].

  • Open Class Exhibits: Beyond 4-H, community members can enter open class building exhibits, showcasing crafts, baking, and other talents[4].

  • Volunteer and Setup Days: Fairgrounds setup begins as early as June 7th with volunteer involvement, providing an opportunity for community participation and fair preparation[4].

Rough Schedule Highlights (Subject to Detailed Official Schedule):

  • June 7: Fairgrounds Setup Day (volunteer-driven)
  • June 14 - 21: Main Fair Days
    • Daily 4-H Exhibits and Livestock Shows
    • Nightly Grandstand Events, including demolition derbies and possibly other motor sports or entertainment
    • Food vendors and open class exhibits available throughout fair hours
    • Special events such as the crowning of the Fair Queen as part of tradition

Location and Accessibility:
The fair is held at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds, 325 E Maple St, Cayuga, IN. Facilities include parking, restrooms, and handicapped accessibility to accommodate all visitors[1][3][6].

This combination of agricultural education, competitive livestock showing, community crafts, lively entertainment, and classic fair food makes the Vermillion County Fair a comprehensive and authentic Midwestern county fair experience.