Hamilton County 4-H Fair: Projects, Pigs, and People
The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is a hugely popular Noblesville event that is well attended by Noblesville, Indiana residents and visitors alike. Families, friends and lovers from nearby small Midwestern towns like Westfield, Hortonville, Deming, Cicero, Strawtown, Lapel, and even from the nearby metropolis of Indianapolis come to the Hamilton County 4-H Fair to let loose and have a good time. What could be more fun than a day at one of those old-time Indianapolis fairs?
The festivities last for five days in the middle of summer and are held on the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. With its 4-H theme, there are naturally tons of events that have something to do with large animals, but the Fair always offers so much more, from live Indianapolis music to the antique tractor pull to the never-ending supply of vendors from Noblesville businesses. Generally, however, the Hamilton County 4-H Fair is a showcase for projects being displayed by 4-H members.
The Fair has now passed its 100th year, having been inaugurated in 1904 by 93 boys in the Boys Corn Club, who presented just one project. These days, Fair visitors can expect to see at least 70 4-H projects exhibited.
The 4-H Club was a magnet in the agriculturally-focused environs of Noblesville, and it continued to attract members steadily. The Fair moved its locale around from year to year until, in 1950, the Hamilton County 4-H Council went to bat to get donations for a permanent Fair venue. Interested parties from far and wide gave money and time to make a new home for the Hamilton County 4-H Fair.
Since its inception, the fair has captured the imagination and hearts of the good folks in Hamilton County, people who consider the development of Noblesville children of monumental importance. The fairgrounds continued to grow, and the event’s popularity grew right along with it.
Today, a happy fairgoer can come, park, and enter for free, and enjoy such fun as a DJ Open Street Dance, a Cloggers exhibition, 4-H competitions and livestock shows, a pet parade, games for Indianapolis kids, square dancing, and the “Farmers’ Olympics.” Stop by the Hamilton County 4-H Fair next year to see why it’s one of the most highly anticipated things to do in Noblesville!
