What the Boone County 4-H Fair Is
The Boone County 4-H Fair in Lebanon is a week of 4-H livestock shows, project judging, contests and a livestock auction, followed by open shows. The 2026 fair ran from Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1, with project check-in and judging starting weeks earlier. Fairgrounds close at 11 p.m. unless the Fair Board approves otherwise. The schedule was published as a draft, so times and locations may change; confirm with the Purdue Extension Boone County office or your project leader.
Before the Fair: Entry and Judging
- Fair entry opened Sunday, June 7 and closed at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 13 for all projects.
- Friday, July 17: check-in and judging for construction, woodworking, ceramics, home environment and other projects, plus animal posters and the Outdoor Chef contest.
- Saturday, July 18: photography, small engines, child development, scrapbooking and many more projects, plus the Bicycle Rodeo at 4 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19: dog agility at 10 a.m., dog obedience at 1:30 p.m., and the private fashion revue.
- Thursday, July 23: foods, cake decorating, electric, crops, floriculture, garden and tractor driving.
Livestock Week: The Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sat, July 25 | Check-in and weigh-in for goats, sheep, feeder calves and beef (beef weighed 3 p.m.); rabbits and horse and pony check in later in the day |
| Sun, July 26 | Horse and pony Western show 9 a.m.; rabbit show 9:15 a.m.; utility goat show 10 a.m.; Open Beef Show 2 p.m. |
| Mon, July 27 | Horse and pony English and contesting 9 a.m.; feeder calf show noon; 4-H Beef Show 2 p.m. |
| Tue, July 28 | Meat goat show 8 a.m.; cat show 9 a.m.; sheep show noon; dairy animals enter in the evening |
| Wed, July 29 | 4-H Swine Show 9 a.m.; swine auction deadline 6 p.m. |
| Thu, July 30 | Dairy goat show; poultry show 9 a.m.; open market hog show 3 p.m.; 4-H Dairy Show 6 p.m. |
| Fri, July 31 | Llama and alpaca show 9 a.m.; dog events; 4-H Herdsmanship Awards 5 p.m.; 4-H Livestock Auction 5:30 p.m. |
| Sat, Aug 1 | Open Dairy Show 9 a.m.; 4-H Achievement Program 4 p.m.; Parade of Champions 5:30 p.m.; Supreme Showmanship 6 p.m. |
Auction entry deadlines are generally one hour after the relevant show ends. Beef and feeder calves are released 30 minutes after the beef show, and sheep and meat goats not in the open show or auction are released 30 minutes after their show.
Awards and Recognition
The fair closes with the Parade of Champions and the Supreme Showmanship contest on Saturday evening. During the Supreme Showmanship intermission, the fair presents 10-Year Member recognition and the 4-H scholarship awards. Trophies are picked up at the Witham Pavilion on Sunday, August 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Also on the Grounds
Non-animal projects are on display in the BCA Building, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from July 27 through July 30 and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 31. Other events include a robotics demonstration on July 29, putt-putt golf, Young McDonald's Farm run by WEBO FFA on July 30, a tallest corn stalk contest on July 31, and a 1/16 model tractor pull on July 22.
Where
The Boone County 4-H Fair is held in Lebanon, Indiana. Shows take place in the Witham Pavilion, the State Bank Cattle Barn, the North Salem State Bank Swine Barn, the Plunkett Ag Show Arena, the Horse Arena and Centennial Halls North and South. Project buildings include the BCA Building and the Boone REMC Hall.
Questions
When is the last day to enter projects?
11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026.
When is the livestock auction?
Friday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m. in the Witham Pavilion, with species auction deadlines set by each show.
Can I show beef in an open class?
Yes. The Open Beef Show was Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. in the Plunkett Ag Show Arena, with entries due at 1 p.m.
Can I bring a project early?
No. Projects are not accepted before their designated check-in time.
Official Links
- 2026 Boone County 4-H Fair schedule: check-in, shows, auction and awards
- Indiana Farm Bureau guide to 2026 county fair dates
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Gibson County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Pesticide applicator recertification program on Nov. 18, 2026 in the Exhibit Hall at the Gibson County Fairgrounds; registration opens at 11:00 a.m.
- Knox County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Two-hour pesticide applicator recertification session on Dec. 11, 2026 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Vincennes, part of the Southwest District series.
401 Felt King Drive, Vincennes, IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Knox County Official event details - Ripley County 4-H Shooting Sports Contest and Family Fun Day
Summer shooting sports contest and family fun day for Ripley County 4-H members at the Coon Hunters Lodge, scheduled for July 10, 2027.
IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Ripley County Official event details - Fort Wayne Farm Show
Northeast Indiana's winter farm equipment show fills the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for three days with free admission. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 13 to 15, 2026.
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Official event details - Indiana Beef Cattle Association Annual Convention
Indiana cattlemen gather at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville for the annual membership meeting, awards banquet and election of officers. Held each year; the most recent date was January 17, 2026.
Noblesville, IN | Organizer: Indiana Beef Cattle Association Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.