What the Jasper County Fair Is
The Jasper County Fair in Rensselaer is a week-long county fair built around 4-H projects and livestock, with a carnival, free stage entertainment and a different grandstand event every night. The 2026 fair was the 102nd, ran Saturday, July 25 through Saturday, August 1, and used the theme "America 250." The fair was established in 1925.
Nightly Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sat, July 25 | Mud drags, 7 p.m. |
| Sun, July 26 | Truck and tractor pull, 6 p.m. |
| Mon, July 27 | "Got Talent" competition, 7 p.m., Community Building |
| Tue, July 28 | ATV rodeo, 7 p.m. |
| Wed, July 29 | D&D Pro Rodeo, 7 p.m. |
| Thu, July 30 | Queen City Stunt Circus, 7 p.m. |
| Fri, July 31 | Monster trucks, 7 p.m. |
| Sat, Aug 1 | Demolition derby, 7 p.m., followed by fireworks |
Free concerts run nightly at 7 p.m. on the Free Stage. On Sunday, July 26 from 2 to 7 p.m., Twisty Kristy Balloons performs in the Big Tent. Rob Thompson the Magician performs in the Big Tent at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. on July 31 and August 1. Free events throughout the week include the Dino Adventures educational show and a foam dance party, and carnival attractions are part of the fair.
The 4-H Side: Who Can Show and How to Qualify
Jasper County 4-H members showing livestock follow a series of earlier deadlines, so the fair is the end of a months-long process.
- May 15: livestock enrollment deadline, with animals entered in 4-H Online.
- June 30: fair entry deadline.
- Beef and dairy finished steers are tagged and weighed in on March 7 at 8 a.m. at the Beef Barn on the fairgrounds.
- Goat, sheep and dairy steers are tagged on May 9 at 8 a.m. at the fairgrounds.
- Every member exhibiting livestock must complete either the in-person Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care training ($3, signed up through 4HOnline) or the online YQCA training ($12). In-person sessions were March 9, April 28, May 11 and June 17 at 5 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Community Building.
- YQCA certificates must be emailed to the Extension Office before June 30.
- A member whose enrollment shows as pending owes the $15 4-H yearly enrollment fee.
Some projects require extra forms, including horse and pony, dog, cat and dairy lease forms. Record sheets are available from the Purdue Extension Jasper County 4-H page.
Where
Jasper County Fairgrounds, 3671 W. Clark St., Rensselaer, Indiana.
Questions
Is it only for 4-H families?
No. The nightly grandstand shows, free stage and carnival are open to all fairgoers; the 4-H deadlines above apply to members showing projects and animals.
Can I contact the judges beforehand?
No. Jasper County 4-H instructs members not to contact the judges before the fair, and judges are subject to change without notice.
Who do I call?
The Purdue Extension Jasper County office at (219) 866-5741.
Official Links
- AgriNews: Jasper County Fair continues tradition in Rensselaer: dates, address and nightly schedule
- Jasper County 4-H spring newsletter 2026: livestock deadlines, tagging and training
- Jasper County 4-H livestock information: judges and rules
Illinois County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
AgriNews lists 105 Illinois fairs for 2026, including the Illinois State Fair (August 13 to 23, Springfield) and the Du Quoin State Fair (August 28 to September 7), per its county fair lineup.
Ownership and tags
State Fair market steers must be owned since February 1, 2026, and cattle and swine need a USDA 840 ear tag, per the junior show requirements.
Training
YQCA is required for dairy, beef, swine, sheep and goat exhibitors, and Lake County sets a June 1 completion deadline, per Lake County 4-H.
Drug rules
At Du Quoin a positive test means disqualification, with a three-year ban for a first offense, per the livestock book.
Dates
Many counties fall between mid-July and early August, such as Knox (July 6 to 11), Champaign (July 25 to August 1) and Lake (July 29 to August 2).
Next steps
Get your county's fair book, mark the enrollment and entry dates, and ask your Extension office about weigh-ins.
Dates and rules change, so confirm with the fair.
Read the full guide: Illinois County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
The 2026 IFB Annual Meeting is scheduled for December 12-15 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Illinois Farm Bureau delegates gather each December to set policy and elect leadership.
- Illinois Farm Bureau Newer Presidents Seminar
A one-day January 2027 seminar for newer county Farm Bureau presidents, held at the IAA Building on Towanda Avenue in Bloomington.
1701 Towanda Ave, Bloomington, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference
The 2027 From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference runs January 27-29 at the Bank of Springfield Center, serving Illinois specialty growers and local-food producers.
Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference
Illinois Farm Bureau members meet at the Bank of Springfield Center on February 16, 2027 for the Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference, focused on state advocacy.
1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details - Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference
The 2027 IFB Young Leader Conference gathers young Farm Bureau members at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign on February 26-27.
1900 South 1st Street, Champaign, IL | Organizer: Illinois Farm Bureau Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.