RICHMOND, Ind. — The Wayne County 4-H Fair begins at the fairgrounds Saturday with opening day, and for the first time, Poor Jacks Amusem*nts' rides will be open starting Saturday instead of Monday.
Fair President Sandy House also said the fair was able to keep last year's prices, with free general parking available until 1 p.m. on Saturdays, 4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Parking at the main gate will cost $5 per vehicle or a walk-in fee of $2 per person, though attendees can buy a weeklong pass for $15.
Gate admission for events at the track will be $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and under. Trackside parking (pit pass) will be $15.
New entertainment to the fair this year includes Christian singer and songwriter Rhonda Funk and country singer Alex Miller, who has opened shows for Brooks & Dunn and Josh Turner, among others.
Back from last year, House said, are a free fishing tank that anybody can come and fish, as well as the return of track events like the seven-event rodeo and drag racing.
Addressing concerns about the high temperatures, House said the First Bank Kuhlman Center, which will be the home of the 4-H and Open Class exhibits all week, will have air conditioning. She added the fairgrounds have a lot of shaded trees and over 35 vendors to provide refreshments such as ice cream and lemonade.
Weeklong events
- June 22-27: 4-H & Open Class exhibits open from noon to 8 p.m. at First Bank Kuhlman Center
- June 22-29: Poor Jacks Amusem*nts open all week (times and prices vary by day)
- June 22-26, 28-29: The One Man Band, Marc Dobson & BOT the Robot roaming the fairgrounds in the evenings
Friday, June 21
6 p.m. - Color Guard Grand Entry and Mini (K-2) Horse & Pony Show at Horse Arena
Saturday, June 22 (opening night)
- 9 a.m. - Color Guard Grand Entry and 4-H Horse & Pony Western Show at Horse Arena
- 2 p.m. - 4-H Tractor Operator's Contest at north end of the fairgrounds
- 4 p.m. - 4-H Pet Show & Cat Show at First Bank Richmond Expo Center
- 4 p.m. - Meet the queen and her court at Free Stage
- 6 p.m. - Open Sheep Show at Show Arena, check-in from 2 to 4 p.m.
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 7 p.m. - Dirt Drag Racing at Track
- 7:30 p.m. - Music: Rhonda Funk at Free Stage
- 9 p.m. - Free Outdoor Big Screen Movie Night ("DC League of Super Pets") at First Bank Kuhlman parking lot
- TBA - Steven's Puppets at First Bank Tent
Sunday, June 23 (Bluegrass & Gospel Event)
- 9 a.m. - 4-H Dog Show & Mini 4-H Dog Show at First Bank Richmond Expo Center
- 9 a.m. - Color Guard Grand Entry and 4-H Horse & Pony English Show at Horse Arena
- 10 a.m. - Open Swine Show, check-in on Showman App at Show Arena
- Noon - Registration open for Little Miss & Mister (ages 6 months to 6 years) at Free Stage
- 1 p.m. - Little Miss & Mister Contest at Free Stage
- 2 to 4 p.m. - Free ice cream social at First Bank Tent
- 3 to 7 p.m. - Music: Born Again, Silvertowne, Cutter & Cash and the Kentucky Grass, The Tim Shelton Syndicate at Free Stage
- 3 to 9 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 3:30 to 4 p.m. - Registration open for Frog Jumping Contest, Jump-Off at First Bank Tent
- 5 to 9 p.m. - Free health screenings by Richmond Seventh-Day Adventist Church at First Bank Tent
- 7 p.m. - Billy Bales Memorial Horse Pull
Monday, June 24
- 8 a.m. - 4-H Rabbit Show at First Bank Richmond Expo Center
- 9 a.m. - 4-H Horse & Pony Dressage/Jumping Show at Horse Arena
- 3 p.m. - 4-H Poultry Show at First Bank Richmond Expo Center
- 4 p.m. - 4-H Swine Show (Showmanship, Minis, Gilt, Barrows and Grand Drive Livestock) at Show Arena
- 5 to 7 p.m. - Kicks 96 Live Broadcast, Location TBA
- 5 to 8 p.m. - Free entry Car Show at First Bank Kuhlman Center parking lot (west gate only open to show cars after 4 p.m.)
- 5:30 p.m. - 4-H Special Skills & Pony Show
- 5:45 p.m. - Dixon Dancers at Free Stage
- 6 p.m. - Antique Tractor Parade at Antique Tractor Area
- 7 p.m. - Truck & Tractor Pull at Track
- 7:30 p.m. - Music: Cook & Belle at Free Stage
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
Tuesday, June 25 (Emergency Public Service Day)
All EMT, firefighters and law officials will be able to park for free on Tuesday. Identification will be required.
- 10 a.m. - 4-H Myotonic, Pygmy and Meat Goat Show (Minis followed by Showmanship) at First Bank Richmond Expo Center
- 4 to 8:30 p.m. - Blood drive at First Bank Kuhlman Center
- 5 p.m. - Sheriff's department and emergency vehicles, police department, fire departments and DNR Touch a Truck & Extrication Demonstration at First Bank Kuhlman Center parking lot
- 5:30 p.m. - 4-H Horse & Pony Show at Horse Arena
- 5:30 and 7 p.m. - Silly Safari Animal Show at Free Stage
- 6 p.m. - 4-H Sheep Show (Minis, Showmanship, Ewe, Market Lambs, Grand Drive), followed by Battle of Barns
- 6 p.m. - Antique Tractor Parade at Antique Tractor Area
- 6 p.m. - Free Kiddie Tractor Pull at FFA Fun Barn
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 7 p.m. - Hoosier State Tractor Pull at Track
Wednesday, June 26 (Senior Citizen Day)
Seniors 55 and older will be able to park for free Wednesday.
- 9 a.m. - 4-H Dairy Goat Show at First Bank Richmond Expo Center
- 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. - J.U.K.O. Campers Visit the Fair
- 11 a.m. - 4-H Dairy Beef Show at Show Arena
- 2 p.m. - 4-H Beef Heifer, Showmanship and Minis Show at Show Arena
- 5:30 p.m. - Color Guard Grand Entry and 4-H Horse & Pony Versatility Show at Horse Arena
- 6 p.m. - 4-H Beef Steer Show at Show Arena
- 6 p.m. - Antique Tractor Parade with games to follow at Antique Tractor Area
- 6 p.m. - Kicks 96 Idol Semi-Finals, karaoke to follow at Free Stage
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 6:30 p.m. - Fashion Revue on First Bank Kuhlman Building Stage
- 7 p.m. - 3 Bar J Seven Event Rodeo at Track
- TBA - Steven's Puppets at First Bank Tent
Thursday, June 27 (Thrifty Thursday and Kids Day)
Thursday, food specials will be all day at select vendors that attendees can either pick up a map for in the fair office or by checking Facebook. Wrist bands for Poor Jack Amusem*nts' rides will be $15 from 1 to 5 p.m.
- 9 a.m. - 4-H Dairy Show at Show Arena
- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - "ISFA 1" promotional vehicle with music and bubbles at Vendor Area
- 2 p.m. - 4-H Horse & Pony Fun & Games Show at Horse Arena
- 5 to 7 p.m. - Wayne County Farm Bureau Gazebo Dedication honoring late Ron Hoover (free member parking with card)
- 5:30 and 7 p.m. - Silly Safari Animal Show at Free Stage
- 6 p.m. - Supreme Showman (opening ceremony at Horse Arena, completed at Livestock Show Arena)
- 6 p.m. - Antique Tractor Parade, games and ham and bean supper at Antique Tractor Area
- 6 p.m. - Free Kiddie Tractor Pull at FFA Fun Barn
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 7 p.m. - Dirt Drag Racing at Track
Friday, June 28 (Livestock Sale Day)
- 11 a.m. - 4-H Livestock Auction at Livestock Show Arena
- 5:30 p.m. - 4-H Graduation & Awards Program at First Bank Richmond Expo Building
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 7 p.m. - Mud Bog at the track
- 7:30 p.m. - Music: Alex Miller at Free Stage
- Dark - Fireworks sponsored by First Bank
Saturday, June 29 (Last Day)
- 9 a.m. - Open Dairy Show at Show Arena
- 5 p.m. - Kicks 96 Idol Challenge Finals, karaoke to follow at Free Stage
- 6 to 11 p.m. - Poor Jack Amusem*nts open (weather permitting), arm bands are $25
- 7 p.m. - Demolition Derby at Track Side
For events that require tickets, they can be bought in person or online at the Wayne County 4-H Fair Website.
A full list of flyers and forms for the events can also be found on the website, as well as this year's food vendors.
Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email ateweaver@gannett.com.
