And, the show must go on…

After having to cancel its 2020 event, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is determined to keep the gates open and the people coming in this year.

“Yeah, I hope it’s here,” shares Shaina Roberts, a sophomore at Elkhart-West. “It stinks that they didn’t have it last year!” Granted, the food truck days last year were a big hit, but for Roberts, it’s all about the Midway rides. “I wanted to go on the Zipper and Ring of Fire,” she recalls, “but maybe this year, it’ll be better and more rides for everyone.”

Traditionally, the fair has so much to offer its attendees: there’s food, rides, games, roller coasters, picture taking, and just general fun. But, what will be allowed this year with COVID restrictions still in place?

Guests will be delighted to learn that the Grandstand concerts are still set to go—with the list of headliners being released just this past Wednesday evening. Kicking off the concert series on Saturday, July 24, will be ZZ Top. Fans hope to hear Gimme All Your Lovin, Sharp Dressed Man, and even Rough Boy–songs that made this Rock-n-Roll group so iconic.

On Monday, July 26, Tracy Byrd–who came onto the County Music scene with Holdin’ Heaven–will be joined on stage by Mark Willis, known for Wish You Were Here, among other hits.

Chris Lane and Morgan Evans (Austrailian artist married to Kelsea Ballerini) will be the headlines on Tuesday, July 27, with their Country Pop hits–Lane with Big, Big Plans, and Evans with Kiss Somebody.

The concert series will conclude with Darci Lynne (Farmer) on Wednesday, July 27, with her ventriloquism act titled My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not). Fans may best remember Farmer, when she was chosen as runner-up on America’s Got Talent in 2017. 

While the performers that come in are amazing, they are not the only attraction. There will also be a tractor pull, demolition derby, reptile enclosure, hot air balloon chases, and all the farm animals—from the Clydesdale stalls to the bunny hutches. But, another type of horsepower will be featured on the last day of the fair: a Corvette show. How cool is that! What could be more awe-inspiring than walking through a sea of expensive, fancy cars!

However, for some fair-goers, it’s all about the food. If it can be deep-fried, it can likely be found at the fair–everything from pickles to Snicker bars. Those looking for something sweeter can still head to the Dairy Barn for homemade ice cream or other concession stands for hot elephant ears, fresh strawberry shortcake, and freshly spun cotton candy. Wanting dinner instead? Who doesn’t! From Nedderman’s steak tips to Nelson’s chicken, it’s all there. Burgers, haystacks, and corndogs are all within arm’s reach!

Tickets for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair (as well as the grandstand concerts) go on sale May 28–and are likely to be sold out within a short time. Go to www.4HFair.org for more information on purchasing tickets.

While there, check out www.4HFair.org/COVID19 for up-to-date information on current restrictions.

Despite the modifications, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair committee is doing all it can to see that as many as possible can enjoy this year’s event.