**Bookmark this page. More information may be added as fair season unfolds.**
Looking for non-4-H fair information? Go to https://www.portercountyfair.com.
More 4-H Fun in 2021!
Following are all the answers to questions you didn’t even know you had! Your Porter County 4-H staff is here to help make your fair experience as smooth as possible. After a year off from our normal summer fun, all of us (staff, volunteers, members, and families) are getting back in the groove of this fair stuff and just so happy to be having MORE FUN in 2021! We’re here to help, and we hope all volunteers and parents can join us in exuding chill vibes this fair season!! If you have any questions that aren’t answered below, contact 4-H Operations Manager Angel Leuck at amleuck@purdue.edu or Extension Educator Joan Grott at joangrott@purdue.edu.
4-H Schedule of Pre-Fair & Fair Events
Download the complete 2021 Pre-Fair and Fair 4-H Schedule here:
Official 4-H Exhibition Results
For projects fully utilizing FairEntry, exhibition results will be able to be viewed online at https://bit.ly/2021FairResults once judging has concluded and results have been reviewed for accuracy.
Celebration Sale – Bid Online!
Get your bids in! Check out our 4-H Livestock Celebration Sale online… lots are being posted as shows are completed. Thanks for your support of our livestock 4-Hers! https://kraftauctions.hibid.com/catalog/286071/porter-county-fair-celebration-livestock-auction/
4-H Building Hours & 4-H Office Hours
Please note that office and exhibit hours differ. If you need to access our 4-H building office when the building is closed to the public, please enter at the northeast door and come directly to our office window. During pre-fair judging, the building may look open, but we ask that you please keep out until the official opening on the first day of the Fair.
| Date | Exhibit Hall Viewing Hours | 4-H Office Hours |
| Thurs. 7/15 & Fri. 7/16 | CLOSED | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
| Mon. 7/19 | CLOSED | 1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. |
| Tues. 7/20 | CLOSED for judging | 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. |
| Wed. 7/21 | CLOSED for judging | 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
| Thurs. 7/22 | 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. |
| Fri. 7/23 & Sat. 7/24 | 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. |
| Sun. 7/25 | 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. |
| Mon. 7/26 – Sat. 7/31 | 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. | 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. |
| Sun. 8/1 | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Mon. 8/2 | CLOSED | 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. |
Fair Passes & Exhibit Tags
While 4-Her fair passes and exhibit tags will be available on exhibit check-in night, we welcome you to stop by the 4-H Building office and pick them up early! We’ll have them ready and availble on Thursday, July 15th or Friday, July 16th (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) to pick up your fair passes and exhibit tags.
Exhibit Check-in Pedestrian Flow
On 4-H Building exhibit check-in night on Monday, July 19th we ask that all pedestrian traffic ENTERS THROUGH THE SOUTH END OF THE 4-H BUILDING. You will be greeted at the south entrance with a station at which to pick up your exhibit tags. You will not be permitted to enter the building until 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Check-In
Check-in for most (NOT ALL—see fair schedule for details) exhibits is Monday, July 19th from 5:00-8:00 (please enter at the SOUTH END of the building). We have extended the time by an hour in hopes that you will consider coming later. Based on experience, we have a rush at 5:00, and by 6:30 it’s much more calm. Please consider coming later in the evening to help us de-densify our crowd. Face covers are encouraged in indoor areas for unvaccinated individuals. (If you are unable to attend exhibit check-in, please make arrangements with someone to check your exhibits in for you.)
Mini 4-H Check-In
Mini 4-H check-in is TUESDAY, July 20th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the NORTH END of the 4-H Building.
Exhibit Check-Out
Check-out of 4-H Building exhibits is Monday, August 2nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Your project exhibits are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. If you are unable to attend check-out, you must make arrangements with someone else to pick your exhibits up for you. Projects not picked up at this time will be recycled, repurposed, or disposed o
4-H Exhibit Requirements/Handbook
In addition to the handbook pages that are specifically for your project(s), be sure to review pages 1-12 of the handbook as well. These introductory pages include lots of information that is particularly important at fair time. The Exhibition Policy, Poster Policy, Judging Policy, etc. are located in the opening pages of the handbook. Don’t be surprised at the fair; know the rules in advance by reading your handbook. Did you know your exhibit grade can be lowered one letter grade if you don’t leave a 3-3/4” x 4” space in the lower right corner of your poster for the entry tag? Did you know that if you do not meet the exhibit requirements for the level you’re enrolled in you will be lowered one grade? Did you know you can be subject to disciplinary penalties and/or dismissal from the program if you (or your parents!) violate the Behavioral Expectations? Be sure to read and understand your handbook so you’re prepared for fair! (Download the handbook at http://bit.ly/PorterCo4HHandbook.)
Project Record Sheets & Project Completion
A record sheet is the minimum “completion” requirement for a project, presenting an exhibit at the fair is not required for completion. The record sheet should truthfully reflect the content and skills learned in the subject matter area of the project through the 4-H year…record sheets should indicate that a Latch Hook member purchased the necessary materials and started a rug, pillow, or wall-hanging; that a Swine member purchased hogs and feed and provided care to those animals; and that a Photography member had the necessary equipment and film and attempted to take some photographs. Record sheets are due at the time of project check-in. (Note: Club Leader signatures are NOT required on record sheets.)
“My Record of 4-H Achievement”
The “My Record of 4-H Achievement” card serves as a permanent record of your 4-H career. You are encouraged to complete it annually and keep it in a safe place. The information included on that record will be useful to you when you apply for 4-H awards and scholarships in the future! We will no longer collect copies to keep in the Extension Office and hope to soon transition to an electronic member record system that syncs with 4HOnline and FairEntry. (Records currently on file in the Extension Office will be kept indefinitely.) (Note: There has been some confusion on this. This applies ONLY to the “My Record of 4-H Achievement” form that is usually printed on cardstock. Project-specific record sheets are still to be turned in along with exhibits! See article above for more on project record sheets.)
Pre-Fair Parking at the Fairgrounds
On Monday of project check-in there will be plenty of open space to park at the south end of the 4-H Building. However, beginning on Tuesday morning July 20th, if you will be on the fairgrounds, we ask that you park in the asphalt lot south of the main Expo Building so as not to impede fair set-up operations.
Are your 4-H Building Exhibits Alive?
If your living 4-H exhibit (plant, fish, lizard, etc.) requires moving other exhibits or cases in order to access it, we ask that you do your chores prior to the building’s opening time. Be sure to check in at the 4-H Office so we know you’re there. Or, stop by at closing time, and once we close the building, you can take care of your chores.
State Fair Drop-Off & Pick-Up: Saturday, July 31st: All State Fair exhibits, including Garden, Beekeeping, and Floriculture, will be taken from the 4-H Building and transported to the Indiana State Fair. If you would like to make any corrections to your exhibit before it’s taken to State Fair, please see 4-H Office Staff to find out your options. Garden and Floriculture should be checked in at the south end of the 4-H Exhibit Hall on Saturday, July 31st from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, August 4th: Foods exhibits eligible for State Fair must be checked in at the 4-H Building between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.
*Please note: Transportation of projects is a service provided by the Extension Staff and sponsored by the 4-H Council. Exhibitors of large, heavy, or particularly fragile exhibits may be responsible for transporting their own exhibit to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Projects not picked up at the specified time will be recycled, repurposed, or disposed of.
Celebration Sale Information
Find information regarding the Livestock Celebration Sale here: https://portercounty4h.org/2021/06/21/celebration-sale-update/.
Volunteer Enrollment/Volunteer Status
Adults who have not completed their annual 4-H enrollment by the time of this publication will not be included on the official listing of 4-H volunteers eligible for a reduced-rate season fair pass and should not be serving as representatives of the 4-H program. Multiple attempts have been made to contact adults about their volunteer status. Much like we hold our 4-Hers to deadlines, adults should set the example with their annual enrollment as well. The Superintendent/Leader passes and the reduced-rate volunteer passes are a perk for those who have actively participated and fulfilled their duties throughout the 4-H year. We are now at the end of the 4-H year. Enrollment will re-open on October 1st and is due by January 15th.
10-Punch Passes for 4-H Parents & Volunteers
Reduced-price 10-punch passes will be available for 4-H parents and volunteers on Monday of project check-in in Expo East (next door to the 4-H Building). The reduced-rate of $15 applies only to 4-H parents and officially enrolled volunteers and you will not be able to purchase extra passes at the reduced rate. (Adults who have not completed their annual 4-H enrollment by the time of this publication will not be included on the official listing of 4-H volunteers.)
Ride Wristband Deals for 4-Hers
4-Hers are eligible for one all-day discounted ride band to be used on whatever day they choose. Ride all day for just $15! The special 4-H Wristband Vouchers MUST BE PURCHASED in the FAIR OFFICE in Expo East by Thursday, July 29th.
Porter County 4-H Hub 