What the Huntington County 4-H Fair Is
The Huntington County 4-H Fair is the 96th annual showcase of Huntington County 4-H projects and livestock. The most recent fair ran Saturday, July 25 through Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Huntington County Fairgrounds in Huntington, with project judging, contests and fashion reviews held in the weeks before. The fair is a smoke-free environment.
Before the Fair: Judging and Deadlines
- May 15: project add or drop deadline in 4-HOnline.
- May 31: scholarship applications due at the Extension Office in a sealed 9 by 12 envelope.
- June 30: record sheets due to the club leader and FairEntry sign-up. Projects not in FairEntry by June 30 can still be judged but cannot receive higher than a Blue placing.
- Monday, July 20: sewing and consumer clothing judging at 9 a.m., fashion revues at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Thursday, July 23: project judging 9 a.m. to noon; early drop-off 4 to 6 p.m.
- Friday, July 24: project judging 9 to 11 a.m.; livestock entry for beef, dairy beef, dairy heifers, goats, poultry, rabbits and sheep from 5 to 9 p.m., and swine entry 5 to 10 p.m.
Fair Week Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sat, July 25 | Goat showmanship 9 a.m.; poultry show 10 a.m.; dairy show noon; sheep show 5 p.m.; consumer clothing and fashion revue 6 p.m. |
| Sun, July 26 | Dairy goat show 9 a.m.; pygmy goats noon; market rabbits 12:30 p.m.; meat goats 2 p.m.; antique tractor parade 5:30 p.m. |
| Mon, July 27 | Swine show 10 a.m.; awards program 6 p.m. with Ten Year Awards for graduating members |
| Tue, July 28 (Youth Day) | Beef and starter beef show 9 a.m.; breeding rabbits 2 p.m.; pedal tractor pull 4 p.m.; dog demonstration 6 p.m.; Pet and Hobby Parade 7 p.m. |
| Wed, July 29 | Dairy beef and dairy starter beef show 9 a.m.; Supreme Showmanship 2 p.m.; 4-H Awards Program, scholarships and Parade of Champions 6 p.m.; Spirit Night 7:30 p.m. |
| Thu, July 30 | 4-H Livestock Auction 9 a.m. in the Hoosier Real Estate Show Arena (dairy, beef, dairy beef, sheep, goat, poultry, rabbit, then swine) |
A food drive runs during the auction in the northwest corner of the arena. Livestock not sold at auction is released Wednesday night from 9 p.m. to midnight and Thursday from 5 to 8 a.m. Premium payments are made at the 4-H Fair Office Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Non-animal exhibits are released from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, and Open Class projects from 2 to 5:30 p.m.
Premiums, Ribbons and Scholarships
Project premiums are $1.25 for an A, $1.00 for a B and $0.75 for a C, with a maximum of two premiums per project. Ribbons run Grand and Reserve Grand Champion, Champion and Reserve Champion, Honor and Merit, then Blue, Red, White and Green for participation. Champion eligibility requires a blue-ribbon group placing.
Scholarships include $1,000 awards for nursing and health and in memory of Ray Vanderspool, two $500 Huntington County 4-H awards, swine awards of up to four at $500, a $500 beef award, up to three $500 goat awards, a $500 horse and pony award, two $250 dog awards and a $1,500 Master Gardener award.
Rules in Brief
- Exhibits must be completed during the current 4-H club year.
- Overnight stays need written permission from a parent and the superintendent.
- A dress code applies during exhibiting, auctions and events.
- Alcohol, drugs and tobacco are prohibited, and the judge's decision is final.
- Mini 4-H (grades K to 2) is non-competitive; a Mini may show one animal belonging to a regular 4-H member, or a poster.
- Spirit Night is for teams of six, with no Mini 4-H members.
Where
Huntington County Fairgrounds, Huntington, Indiana. Animal shows are held in the Hoosier Real Estate Show Arena; the Community Building and Heritage Hall host indoor events. Horse and pony shows are at the Chief LaFontaine Saddle Club grounds.
Questions
When is the auction?
Thursday, July 30 at 9 a.m. in the show arena.
What if I miss the June 30 FairEntry deadline?
The project can still be judged, but it cannot receive higher than a Blue placing.
Who do I call?
The Purdue Extension Huntington County office at 1340 S. Jefferson St., Huntington, (260) 358-4826.
Official Links
- 2026 Huntington County 4-H Fair book: rules, deadlines, premiums and scholarships
- 2026 4-H Fair event schedule
- 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.