By DAVE SCHULTZ
Those attending the 2022 Wells County 4-H Fair won’t see too many unfamiliar things.
“There are not any major changes,” says Hannah Bridegam, Wells County’s Purdue Extension educator for 4-H and youth. Some times may have changed but the events have basically remained the same.
“We have a few more food vendors,” she said after a moment’s thought. For those who can’t wait for fair food, the food vendors will be open for business at 11 a.m. today.
There are a few other activities on Friday, including an antique tractor pull at 5 p.m. and a glow stick parade at 10 p.m.
Other than that, the fair officially opens Saturday with a full day of presentations and activities. Activities at the Horse and Pony Show start at 9 a.m., the Expo Hall opens at 10 a.m., the Goat Olympics are also at 10 a.m., and the annual 4-H Fashion Revue is at 11 a.m. Other activities Saturday include the 4-H Foundation bake sale, a BBQ sale sponsored by the Wells County Farm Bureau Inc., and the parade (at 5 p.m.). Also planned on Saturday night are the presentation of the 4-H 10-year and Caley Memorial awards with the announcement of the Wells County 4-H Ambassadors, starting at 6:30 p.m., and the 4-H Spirit Night in front of the grandstand, starting at 8 p.m.
Highlights of other days include:
• Sunday — A pancake and sausage breakfast, followed by the alpaca and llama show, open the day. There is a horse and pony show in the morning. A Daniel Boone re-enactment will be held at 3, 5, and 7 p.m. in the log cabin. Also on the schedule are the mini 4-H horse and pony show, the dairy cattle show, and a performance by The Sound musical group.
• Monday — The swine show opens the day at 9 a.m. A storytime event for children at the playground near the log cabin, is scheduled for 4 to 5 p.m.; it is presented by the Wells County Public Library. Also on the schedule are the dairy goat show, a “Pet the Pony” opportunity to learn about horse care (6 p.m., behind the horse barn), and a presentation by the Friends of the Ouabache State Park at the log cabin. The day’s activities conclude with the Miss Wells County and Miss Wells County Teen pageants at 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday — The day leads off with the Rabbit Show, the Meat Goat Show, and the Dairy Beef Show. The Horse and Pony Show is later in the afternoon. A pork chop BBQ supper leads off the evening, followed by the Dairy Feeder Calf Show. A presentation on raptors and eagles will be held at the log cabin, and Ralph Wayne Curtis will present a Johnny Cash Tribute show to cap off the day.
• Wednesday — Early events include the Poultry Show and the Beef Show. A repeat of the “Pet the Pony” presentation is at noon, and a pulled pork dinner — sponsored by the 4-H Swine Boosters — is in the late afternoon. Evening events include the Horse and Pony Show’s senior ride and club awards, a pioneers and plants presentation from the Friends of Ouabache at the log cabin, a “meet the Dog Club” show (at 6:30 p.m.), and a robotics demonstration. Two events are at 7 p.m. — the 4-H Livestock Royal Showmanship Contest and the Kids Pedal Pull.
• Thursday — The Premier Auction is at 2 p.m. and the 4-H Livestock Auction is at 3:30 p.m. Ouabache State Park staff will present a program on the American Bison at 6:30 p.m. and the Todd Berry Country Band will perform at 7 p.m.
daves@news-banner.com
