Fulton County 4-H Fair will be held Thursday, July 7-16, and will include a full slate of 4-H’ers and their animals. Photo provided by Fulton Fair Board.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — The Fulton County 4-H Fair returns to the fairgrounds July 7-16.

The event is a celebration of all things 4-H, featuring the fruits of county residents’ hard work and creativity. And along with the myriad livestock and horse shows, pageants and exhibits, this year’s fair brings a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, competitive events such as lawn mower races and tractor pulls and much more.

Featured activities through the week include the Fulton County Fair Queen Contest, 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Rochester High School. Also at 4 p.m., July 9, will be lawn mower races in the Clauson Amphitheater. A vesper service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at Jud Hudkins Arena. The first of two tractor pulls kicks off at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, in Clauson Amphitheater, followed by the Antique Tractor Pull at 5 p.m. Friday, July 15. And the perennial favorite, Demolition Derby, will get down and dirty at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 16, in Clauson Amphitheater.

Live music this year includes the country/bluegrass of Spencer Hatcher, 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, in Clauson Amphitheater, followed by the Round Barn Opry, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the free tent in the Midway. The Midway will also have inflatables for children throughout the fair.

Of course, there will be many more activities for all ages every day of the fair. And it is well worth simply walking through the many buildings filled with all manner of sights and sounds. Admission to the fairgrounds is free, though, most featured events charge admissions ranging from $5-$10.

Daily parking at the fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester, is $2 after 4 p.m. A weekly parking pass is also available for $10.

Free parking nights are also taking place. Sunday, July 10, bring a church bulletin or canned good, sponsored by Fulton County Fair board; Monday, July 11, is sponsored by RTC Communications; Tuesday, July 12, bring a canned good, sponsored by Smith Family Farms; Thursday, July 14, bring a canned good, sponsored by Fulton County 4-H Junior Leaders; Friday, July 15, bring a canned good, sponsored by Smith Family Farms. All canned goods will be donated to local charities.

For more information, visit Purdue Extension — Fulton County 4-H Clubs or Fulton County Fair board on Facebook. Call the Purdue Extension Office at (574) 223-3397.