There was a slight increase in turnout during the 2019 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair, when compared to last year.
Attendance during the nine-day event is estimated at 93,557, fair board president Mark Case said. Based on vehicle counts, that is about 250 more patrons than in 2018, fair board president Mark Case said.
It’s likely the increase in attendance resulted from no significant rain during fair hours from July 5-13, Case said.
“However, it was also very hot,” the fair board president said.
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One of the largest crowds showed up on Friday, July 12, Case said. About 15,000 people came that night due to the appeal of the Full Throttle Monster Truck show, as well as the final Midnight Madness (unlimited rides for $15) at the midway, Case said.
Because no grandstand event had to be canceled due to weather, a number of fair officials say they are hopeful for a healthier bottom line than in recent years.
The fair organization receives a portion of the grandstand and midway receipts after costs are paid, Case said. In addition, they evenly split the $5 parking fees with the Fraternal Order of Police Local 89, which handles all the parking responsibilities, he said.
No tax dollars are spent on the fair, and everyone who serves on the fair board are unpaid volunteers, Case said.
The last rain-free fair week occurred during the summer-long drought of 2012, according to Larry Fisher, who served 10 years as fair board president before being succeeded by Case two years ago.
“The grass was so dry that year that we worried someone would accidentally set the parking lot on fire,” Fisher said.
Case described this year’s fair as “pretty smooth, with only a few minor glitches.”
For example, there was only one heat-related health problem that required a person to be taken to a first-aid station, Case said. Brought in on Wednesday, that person quickly recovered without incident, he said.
In regard to the 4-H events, all shows and displays went as smooth as could be expected, while the young competitors appeared to have a good time, Purdue Extension and 4-H Youth Development director Elisabeth Smith said.
“I believe we have one of the best 4-H communities in the state, because everyone from fair board members to entire families pitches in to help one another,” Smith said.
Due to both the heat and long days, the 2019 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Queen said she felt exhausted by the time the fair came to an end
As she looked back, 18-year-old Mackenzie Smith said one of her favorite moments came during the Full Throttle Monster Truck show Friday.
After being invited to ride with one of the competitors, Smith said she was anticipating a short but normal drive.
“But they were making doughnuts and going over the hills,” Smith said. “It was just a lot of fun.”
Smith is expected to represent Bartholomew County during the Miss Indiana State Fair 2020 pageant in January.
After an exhausting nine-days, most of the fair board members will take a break for the rest of July, Case said.
However, they will meet again in August to discuss what worked well this year — and what needs to be improved, he said.
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The Republic will publish a special Bartholomew County 4-H Fair souvenir section that will be in the July 31st paper. The section will include 4-H fair judging results.
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