Fair week: 5 things to know before you head to the Tippecanoe Co. Fair
From parking to rides, exhibits to food, get a jump on the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair, which starts in earnest Friday
Today’s edition is sponsored by:
Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette, presenting a summer lineup of concerts and shows at Loeb Stadium, including two next weekend: Parmalee and Taylor Shines laser spectacular. For tickets for the Loeb Stadium shows and other events, go to longpac.org.
And thanks to Stuart & Branigin for continued support of the Based in Lafayette reporting project.
Based in Lafayette is still taking this week for some scheduled downtime. Into that void comes correspondent Liz Evans with this look at a Greater Lafayette summer staple – the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair, which opens Friday for a nine-day run. Thanks for reading. And have fun during county fair week.
FAIR TIME: 5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE TIPPECANOE CO. FAIR
By Liz Evans / For Based in Lafayette
The 2024 Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair officially opens Friday with a slate of 4-H events at the fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road in Lafayette.
Among the quick hit highlights: The first day includes the Queen Pageant at 8 p.m. in the Coliseum. Carnival rides open on Saturday at 4 p.m. Admission and parking for the fair will continue to be free this year. There is a charge for food and ride tickets. The fair runs nine days, through Saturday, July 27.
Here more things to know when you’re heading to this week’s county fair.
Getting there
Parking is available on the premises, although the lot is expected to fill up at times. Fair-goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free parking shuttle back and forth from Edgelea Elementary and another to and from Central Catholic High School. Note: the shuttle will run Saturday through Thursday. The shuttle and parking, along with fair hours, are subject to change depending on weather. Kaitlin Ade, assistant secretary of the Tippecanoe 4-H Exhibit Association, said it’s a good idea to check the fair’s Facebook page for any changes to parking or the shuttle, or for weather-related information.
4-H Projects: Lookout for Llamas & Lego
Many of the 4-H events and displays can be found in the center building, which includes the Coliseum. The building was part of a major renovation project at the fairgrounds, which opened in June 2021. The events center building is enclosed and air conditioned. It also houses the food court.
Megan Skiba, 4-H youth extension educator, said having the projects in the same building as the livestock shows and the food court allows for more people to see the many projects on display.
Around 100 volunteers pitch in to make the fair a success. Before the fair officially opens on Friday, they are helping with project check-ins and ensuring the judging process and shows run smoothly. There are around 1,200 4-H projects this year, which is on par with 2023 according to Skiba. She said some of the most popular projects you will see this year include Lego builds. On Wednesday, Jacob Noles, an 8-year-old Mini 4-H member, proudly showed off his space-themed build after meeting with a judge.
“I love Lego because you can pretty much build anything you set your mind to,” Jacob said.
For animals, Skiba said one project that seems to be rising in popularity is showing llamas.
“We definitely have more llamas than in the past. It’s a growing project (for 4-H members),” Skiba said.
Why llamas? Skiba wasn’t sure but said the llama costume contests around the country are quite popular on social media (just look them up on YouTube or TikTok). She also said it’s easier for kids to learn about and take care of these animals due to leasing programs. That’s where a family will “lease” or allow a 4-H member who doesn’t have a llama of their own to come to their farm and work with the animals to show them at the fair.
New this year: Food trucks
A new dining option this year will be food trucks for a special “Food Truck Frenzy” night on Saturday, July 20. Vendors include Coney Island Express, Tacos Mexico, Gibson’s Shaved Ice and Eddie Joe’s Icehouse. Ade said this is something the fair may consider expanding in the future.
In addition to the food trucks, food will also be available for purchase inside the food court at the events center. Everbowl will make its first appearance at the Commercial Kitchen this year, alongside returning vendors that include The Homestead, The End Zone Sports Bar & Grill and BT Humbles Catering.
Coming back: Live woodcarving
Returning to the fair this year is live woodcarving from Bear Hollow Wood Carvers. The carving will take place Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. You can watch the carving in the area north of the Special Events tent. Items carved will be available for auction and special requests will be considered with the promise of purchase.
Can’t forget the carnival rides
Luehrs’ Ideal Rides is also returning this year as the carnival ride vendor for the fair. Ride tickets are $1.25 each. You can also purchase 30 tickets for $22. The number of tickets needed for each ride will vary. There will once again be opportunities like “Family Bargain Day” on Tuesday when all rides are just one ticket, and “Two for Thursday” when two people can ride for the price of one. On Saturday, July 27, all rides will once again take one ticket for the final evening of the fair.
Other Suggestions:
Friday, July 19: Kids Hair Tinseling and Face Tattooing from 4-8 p.m. (Special Events Tent)
Monday, July 22: Llama Show at 2 p.m. (Coliseum)
Tuesday, July 23: Little Farmer Pet & Hobby Parade at 6 p.m. (Coliseum)
Thursday, July 25: Greased Watermelon Contest at 8 p.m. 4-H participants team up and compete against each other in a wild obstacle course. (Coliseum)
Friday, July 26: Livestock Auction at 1 p.m. (Coliseum)
For a full schedule, parking and shuttle information, and frequently asked questions about the fair, check out the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair’s website and Facebook page.
Thanks, again, to Stuart & Branigin and Long Center for the Performing Arts for sponsorship help with today’s edition.
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