2023 Theme

During a celebratory banquet held Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Board President Fred Jessup unveiled the theme for the 2023 Fair: “Celebrating 150 Years of 4-H & Agriculture”.

The 2023 logo depicts livestock, crops and grain bins marked with the 4-H clover in the center. Jessup explained “The grain bins and crops represent my involvement in agriculture and the livestock represent the 4-H clubs I was in, Beef and Swine along with the 4-H logo representing us being a 4-H fair.”

The 2023 event will mark the 150^th Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Jessup is honored to hold the leadership role on such an important milestone in the Elkhart County 4-H Fair history.

The Elkhart County Fair began in the year 1851 (more than 170 years ago) for the purpose of the community coming together to celebrate its accomplishments in agriculture. Over the years, the Fair has not always been able to host an annual event due to the civil war, financial hardships in the early 1900’s and reducing its size to 4-H shows only in 2020 due to the pandemic.

When asked about his plans for the 2023 Fair, Jessup said, “Working on the history of the Fair and how we have evolved from an Agricultural Exposition to a 4-H fair. As I was a 10 year 4-H member our goal is to be able to put on the best possible Fair for our youth to showcase their 4-H projects.”

Jessup will formally take the reins as the 2023 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Board President on October 1, 2022. “I am excited to highlight agriculture for the Elkhart County 4-H Fairs sesquicentennial year.” Jessup continued. “I am looking forward to planning and working with all of our Board members, staff and volunteers to continue the tradition of being one the best county fairs in the country”

The 2023 Fair will be held July 21-29 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen, Indiana.

The Elkhart County 4-H & Agricultural Exposition, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the development of youth and the promotion of agriculture in Elkhart County, Indiana.

Through the years, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair has evolved into one of the largest fairs in the state of Indiana hosting more than 200,000 guests annually during its 9-day run. Backed with strong community financial support, the fairgrounds have expanded from 48 acres in the early 1900s to a 380-acre facility with more than 70 structures that are utilized year-round. The fair remains largely produced by a volunteer board of more than 130 members and an average of 10 year-staff members. The Fair continues its mission as a showcase for more than 3,800 4-H youth each year.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair prides itself on promoting agriculture, youth development, and family-friendly entertainment in Elkhart County and the greater Michiana area. With grandstand concerts, world-famous food, top-notch youth competitions, and a plethora of entertainment, there is something for everyone at the Fair.