Whitley County 4-H Fair

The Whitley County 4-H Fair is an agricultural and county fair held annually at the Whitley County Fairgrounds in Columbia City, Indiana. The 2025 event runs from July 11 to July 17. It features a variety of 4-H projects, livestock shows, nightly grandstand entertainment, and is known for delicious fair food, especially the famous 4-H ice cream. Admission and parking are free, and the venue is handicapped accessible.

The fair atmosphere is community-focused and family-friendly, with a vibrant vibe showcasing youth development and agriculture. It serves as a major county-wide event celebrating 4-H youth achievements and local culture.

Activities at the Whitley County 4-H Fair include:

• Display and judging of 4-H projects in many categories, including consumer clothing, livestock, and other agricultural exhibits.
• Livestock shows showcasing cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry raised by local youth.
• Nightly grandstand entertainment which typically includes live performances and possibly motorized or animal showcases.
• Food vendors offering classic fair fare with a highlight on the famed 4-H ice cream.
• Additional family-friendly activities, possibly including midway rides, games, and crafts, though specifics vary by year.
• Opportunities to learn about 4-H programs and enroll youth in ongoing or upcoming 4-H projects.

A rough schedule likely follows a pattern similar to typical county fairs:

• Early days (July 11–13) focus on exhibit entries and judging for 4-H projects.
• Mid-fair days (July 14–16) usually host livestock shows and related competitions.
• Evenings typically feature grandstand shows and special entertainment events.
• The final day (July 17) may include award ceremonies, final exhibits viewing, and community celebrations.

The Whitley County 4-H Fair has a long history tied to the 4-H youth development program, which began over 100 years ago to encourage youth leadership and agricultural education nationwide. Locally, the fair is organized by Whitley County 4-H Clubs, Inc. and supported by Purdue Extension, which fosters 4-H through leadership training, educational workshops, and youth engagement.

The fairgrounds also serve as a community venue beyond the fair week, hosting various events and offering winter storage for boats, campers, and vehicles. The Whitley County 4-H Fair remains a key annual tradition celebrating youth achievement, rural heritage, and community spirit in the eastern Indiana region.