Randi Yoder, this year’s Elkhart County 4-H Fair president, is ready for fair week to start. He’s shown here by the newly-renovated ECCC. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By LAUREN ZEUGNER
InkFreeNews

GOSHEN —  Randi Yoder, this year’s Elkhart County Fair board president, “absolutely loves being part of the fair,” he said as he sat down for a recent interview.

Yoder has been on the fair board for nine years as a volunteer; three years before that he was involved with the fair board apprentice program. He’s also been a 4-H leader for 15 years and a 10- year 4-H’er.

As a leader, he was part of the 4-H Garden Tractor Club, which was started by his dad. He explained the club was created in part because there was a farm tractor club but lots of kids weren’t growing up on farms where they would learn to operate a tractor.

He described his tenure as president as “great.” “This is the earliest (in the month of July) it can be,” he said. “People say it’s a great fair, but that’s no reason to sit back. Sometimes, what’s new is taking what we’ve done and make it better,” he explained.

One of those improvements was updating the ECCC so it looked more modern and added 5,000 square feet. Visitors will now be able to see all the non-livestock and open-class exhibits in the same space.

“That’s one of the things we looked at; what are we going to put in that space for nine days of the fair,” he said.

He’s also excited about the basketball court having a new portable surface.

“It gives a bit more cushion for the players and is a much-needed upgrade for the players,” he said.

Yoder’s theme for this year’s fair is “Taste the Flavor, Share the Fun.” He said he was surprised previous fair board presidents hadn’t emphasized fair food as the Elkhart County Fair offers about 75 places to eat.

“That’s one of the things we’ve tried hard to do as food vendors come in. It’s a variety of food and a variety of price points. You can find good food economically,” said Yoder.

The fair offers fair-goers $5 Friday, which as a number of food vendors offering $5 specials and there is a fair coupon book, which can also help defray the cost of fair food. Several vendors will be offering a president’s choice item on the menu at a reduced cost.

Speaking of food, brand new this year will be four eating contests. They will be held at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the heart of Food Row near the Dairy Bar. Each day’s contest will be limited to 15 contestants and sponsored by a different food vendor. There is also a $20 entry fee.

Monday’s contest will be sponsored by the Goshen Noon Kiwanis and will feature its 1-pound burger. Tuesday will be mini funnel cake, Wednesday will be giant corn dogs and Thursday will be deep fried Oreos. Along with the Goshen Noon Kiwanis, the three biggest food vendors at the fair are sponsors.

Yoder explained all three vendors have participated in similar eating contests at the Florida State Fair. Registration is open at 4hfair.org. Just go to the “get involved” tab, go to “competitions” then click on “food eating contest.”

Yoder is also excited about the concerts as the fair will host five nights of concerts starting with The Bare Naked Ladies and two opening acts Friday, July 18. He’s also very excited by the fact there are over 3,000 4-H’ers this year.

“It was nice to be reminded this past year visiting 4-H clubs, watching pre-teens and teens doing demonstrations and leading their clubs,” he said.

As president, he has the responsibility and privilege to visit as many events at the fair as possible.

“I’ll get the opportunity to see more things during the fair. That’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said.

Yoder works at Das Dutchman Essenhaus. He’s a second generation in-law and has worked there for 38 years. He currently handles inventory for all the ingredients used by both the restaurant and bakery. He is also responsible for Pickle Haus, an indoor pickleball court facility housed in the old noodle factory.

He is married to Anita. The couple have three grown children, Stephanie, Danielle and Conrad, and six grandchildren. Three grandchildren live in Indianapolis while the other three live in Elkhart County and are very excited about the fair and joining 4-H when they are old enough.