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Fair History

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair, which has become a staple of the community, has come a long way since its inception in 1851. Since the first fair in 1851, there have been 22 times when the annual event did not take place. The Civil War disrupted the fair in 1862 and 1864. The largest time without a fair was from 1868-1873 (6 years) and 1894-1907 (14 years). Despite these challenges, the fair has persevered and continued to grow, becoming a cherished part of the Elkhart County community. Over the years, it has grown in size, scope, and reputation, becoming a much-loved tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate the best of Elkhart County.

Fair History Timeline

1800s-1890s

1851
First Fair Held at County Courthouse Lawn 15 years after the County Commissioners instructed the Elkhart County Ag Society to hold a county fair.
From 1851-1854 the location of the fair was on the Courthouse lawn in Goshen.

1854
The Ag Society was unable to put on a complete fair as planned due to drought and countywide sickness.

1861
1861-1866 Sporadically held fairs due to Civil War

1868
1868-1872 No fair due to financial concerns & not having the opportunity to own or lease property to host the fair

1874
1st "real fair" was held from October 21-23.

1892
The grandstand caught on fire and burned.

1894
1894-1907 Ag Society that produced the fair disbanded

1900s-1940s

1908
New Fair Association was formed. Fair held annually at current location. The grandstand stood where Heritage Park is now located. Under the grandstand there were amateur art displays, "the old ladies domestic art department", arts & crafts, quilts & bedspreads, needlework. The area was known as Floral Hall.

1920
No Fair this year. Fair was put in receivership.

1922
Strong interest put in having commercial exhibits at the fair

1927
During the late 1920's 4-H became a part of the fair.

1930
60th fair was held in 1933. There were 600 4-H Club members

1940
From the 1940's and early 1950's there were two fairs held in Elkhart County - One at Rice Field in Elkhart (for 4-H events) The other at current location in Goshen (Hosting a carnival, horse races & entertainment). 4-H exhibits were postponed due to a scare of infantile paralysis during the fair - a separate 2 day show occurred in October at Goshen High School. The Goshen post of the American Legion purchased the fairgrounds. The Legion soon ran into difficulties over fair policy. Because of this, 4-H left the Goshen fair in 1944 and did not return until 1955

1950s

1950
During the 1950's the City of Goshen purchased the fairgrounds from the American Legion. And more land was purchased from area farmers.

1954
The Elkhart County Agricultural Society was reactivated. A new fair board was formed and purchased 52 acres from the city. Harley's Barn was built

1955
1955 to Present - the fair has operated as we know the fair today. The fair board made its first purchase of land to hold the county fair. 52 acres were purchased. August 8-13, a combined Open Class & 4-H Fair was held at the Goshen fairgrounds for the first time. First Fair Board President - Orville Miller from 1955-1964

1960s

1960
First Show Arena was built. First permanent building built on the fairgrounds. Now known as Home & Family Arts Building. Dairy Annex was built. Currently known as Dairy Beef barn.

1963
First Fair Queen - Carole Disher (Grimm)

1966
Swine Barn was built

1967
Fair board membership was 17. More land was needed for the growing fair.

1970s

1970
Before there was a grandstand or stage, decided to hire famous performers to put on shows during the fair. Utilized the services of Variety Attractions to contract with the performers. Elkhart County Community Center was built (now known as History Room & Museum). Dairy Barn was built. Lamb Barn was built.

1971
The words "4-H" was officially added to our name. First female Fair Board president - Lola Yoder

1972
Over 200,000 people attended the fair

1976
Needed a track and grandstand in order to have space to seat people to watch events. Grandstand roof was added a year later. Beef Dairy Arena was built.

1977
Saddle Barn was built. Young MacDonald's Farm was built

1979
First Senior Fair Queen - Maurine Neterer

1980s

1982
Draft Horse Barn was built. Horse Barn A & B was built.

1983
Commercial Building A was built with assistance from the Mennonite Relief Sale Organization. First Road Run Race held.

1986
Dairy Goat Barn was built

1989
Farmstead Barn relocated to current position. Rabbit Barn was built.

1990s

1990
Poultry Barn was built

1991
The Elkhart County Community Center (ECCC) was built. Dog/Cat Pavilion was built

1992
Since 1992 the contract for the carnival has changed. Pugh Shows to Gooding Amusement Co to Mid-America Shows

1993
Tornado swept through the area and destroyed a lot of structures on the fairgrounds.
Elkhart County 4-H Fair Foundation formed to create an endowment to support the fair for many years.
Farmstead Blacksmith Shop built

1994
Addition to Elkhart County Community Center (ECCC)

1995
Ag Hall Built

1998
Commercial Building E was built

2000s - Present

2001
Fair Annex aka Extension/USDA office was built

2005
Clock Tower was erected

2006
Park Stage Built in Heritage Park

2007
Fire on Food Row during the Mennonite Relief Sale destroyed several concession stands and damaged many more.

2011
Purchased 254 acres to the east of the fairgrounds, known as "The Fidler Property"

2016
South Entrance to fairgrounds was open to the public

2020
Covid 19 caused fair not to be open to the public however 4-H members were still allowed to exhibit projects

2023
150th Fair!
Special events included drone shows, daily inner grounds parades, farmstead demonstrations, and a skillet toss competition.