WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Wayne County 4-H Fair is celebrating 175 years in the community with its annual fair planned for June 20—27.
The fair, which always takes place during the last two Saturdays in June, runs for eight days and features activities for all ages from livestock shows and exhibits to carnival rides.
“One thing about 175 years is its real, its authentic,” said 4-H Fair Committee Chairman Sandy House. “It’s a place you can go and belong and trust.”
The first official continuing fair was held in 1851, when it was known as an agricultural society fair. House said fairs were previously hosted in communities throughout Wayne County, including Hagerstown, Centerville and Cambridge City.
According to House, early fairs gave residents a place to display goods, share recipes and showcase inventions while bringing communities together.
“It’s a connection with your community,” House said.
House said the fair’s impact reaches beyond entertainment, helping develop leadership skills while contributing economically to Wayne County.
“We bring income into the county and the workforce, that the 4-H kids are putting back into our county,” House said. “They’re good workers. They know how to balance that act. They know how to show up.”
House believes the 4-H program helps teach youth practical skills that continue into adulthood.
“Interview skills, being able to handle life and death even. I mean, if they’re into livestock, that’s just part of it,” House said. “And understanding where their food comes from, understanding that farming is very important.”
This year also marks the 50th fair held at the Salisbury fairgrounds after the original grounds in Centerville were destroyed by a storm decades ago.
To celebrate both anniversaries, House said the fair plans to feature special gazebo performances, historical displays and appearances from historical characters including Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone. She added that some celebration themes were also inspired by preparations for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Fair organizers are also hoping to display past fair memorabilia, including old crowns, banners, posters and photographs from previous generations of participants.
House said once people get involved with the fair, they become part of a supportive community.
“If somebody needs help, you just raise your or let somebody know, and they’re there,” House added. “We take care of each other.”
For House, the fair remains a reminder of the values and future of the community.
“You get worried about where this country is going sometimes,” House said. “I always come out of there going, there is hope.”
Image source: Wayne County 4-H Fair Facebook
