What the Knox County 4-H Fair Is
The Knox County 4-H Fair in Vincennes is the week when 4-H members show their livestock and display the year's projects at the Knox County Fairgrounds. The most recent fair ran Monday, July 27 through Saturday, August 1, 2026, with animal check-in the day before. It ends with the 4-H Livestock Auction on Friday night.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- July 1, 4 p.m.: Creative Writing and Genealogy projects due at the Extension Office.
- July 17, 4 p.m.: supplies pickup at the Extension Office.
- July 18: dog, poultry, rabbit and horse and pony manuals due; livestock clean-up at 8 a.m.
- July 20, 6 p.m.: building set-up.
- July 22, 5 to 8 p.m.: non-perishable project check-in, including Mini 4-H.
- July 25, 8 to 11 a.m.: perishables, cakes, crops, flowers and all sewing; Mini 4-H may also check in.
Record sheets are turned in at check-in, which earns the member's Fair Pass.
Livestock Schedule
| Date | Show |
|---|---|
| Sun, July 26 | Animals arrive 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; official check-in 4 to 9 p.m., all animals in barns by 9 p.m.; dog agility 6:30 p.m. |
| Mon, July 27 | Poultry 8 a.m.; rabbit 9 a.m.; horse and pony contesting 4 p.m. |
| Tue, July 28 | Swine 8 a.m.; dog obedience and showmanship 8:30 a.m.; sheep 4:30 p.m. |
| Wed, July 29 | Beef and dairy 9 a.m.; cat show 3 p.m.; goats 4:30 p.m. |
| Thu, July 30 | Llama and alpaca 9 a.m.; horse and pony 9 a.m.; Round Robin 7 p.m. |
| Fri, July 31 | Horse and pony 9 a.m.; 4-H Livestock Auction 5:30 p.m. in the Livestock Arena; release after the auction at 10:30 p.m. |
Rules Exhibitors Should Know
- Minors must have a supervisor at the fair.
- Dog and cat exhibitors need a valid Certificate of Vaccination.
- Grooming must be done within 100 feet of the barn, or of the horse arena for horses, and exhibitors must take an active, hands-on role.
- Only superintendent-approved fans are allowed in barns. The swine barn allows one fan per pen, no turbo fans, under 2 amps.
- Swine ear notches must match enrollment forms, and barrow weight is 200 to 300 pounds.
- Posters must be 22 by 28 inches, horizontal with the 28-inch side on top, on firm backing (no plywood) and in a clear plastic sleeve.
- A project that does not meet requirements may be docked one ribbon placing at the judge's discretion.
Premiums and Release
Livestock premiums are picked up from the species superintendent on July 31 during the auction. Building premiums are available July 30 from 4 to 10 p.m., July 31 when the building is open, or August 1 from 9 to 11 p.m. The exhibit hall closes Saturday, August 1 at 8:45 p.m. Projects are released August 1 from 9 to 11 p.m. or August 2 from 5 to 6 p.m., and projects not picked up are disposed of.
For Visitors
The Farm Bureau Exhibit Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday (July 27 to 31) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m., with Tuesday opening at 8 a.m., and Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. After 4 p.m. no vehicles may be driven on the grounds except fair officials and handicap use. Vehicles enter on the west (Vincennes) side. Families feeding animals after 4 p.m. need a car pass from the Fair Office, which covers the driver plus one person. Parking along or across from the rabbit and poultry barns is prohibited.
The midway is Luehrs' Ideal Rides: $30 wristbands on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, all rides one ticket on Thursday's Kiddie Day, and two riders for the price of one on Friday's Buddy Night. Presale tickets save $10 through a QR code.
Where
Knox County Fairgrounds, Vincennes, Indiana. The Purdue Extension Knox County office is at 4259 North Purdue Rd., Vincennes, IN 47591.
Questions
When is the auction?
Friday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m. in the Livestock Arena.
When are animals due?
Animals check in Sunday, July 26 from 4 to 9 p.m.
How do I get my Fair Pass?
Turn in record sheets at project check-in.
Official Links
- Knox County 4-H Fair issue of the Clover Quarterly: deadlines, livestock schedule, rules and carnival
- Purdue Extension Knox County 4-H
- 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
- 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 - Indiana AgrAbility Agricultural Assistive Technology Expo
This free expo shows farmers with disabilities and the professionals who serve them assistive technology, with sponsor booths, a farm tour and a farmer panel. Held each year; the most recent date was February 17, 2026.
4207 Purdue Road, Vincennes, IN 47591 | Organizer: Indiana AgrAbility Official event details - 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.
- 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
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.