It may look a bit like a western rodeo. However, the 4-H Horse & Pony Western Halter and Performance Show, which begins at 8:30 a.m. today, is a serious competition for young equestrians.
The event kicks off fair activities today during Hope FFA Day.
Back-to-back rabbit shows will start the afternoon activities. The Lil’ Wrangler show gets underway at 12:30 p.m., followed by the regular 4-H Rabbit show at 1 p.m.
If you find kids cuter than bunnies, some of Bartholomew County’s cutest will take center stage during the Jack and Jill Pageant. Featuring preschoolers dressing up as their favorite fairy book characters, the event begins at 1 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Building.
At the same time, drivers of vintage tractors from the mid-20th century will attempt to outperform one another during the Columbus FFA Antique Tractor Pull in the grandstands.
The community, family arts and commercial buildings open at 2 p.m.
The Boll Theatre will host the Little Miss and Mister Contest at 6 p.m. School-age children will be judged on their personalities and responses to specific questions.
If you liked the “Bring It On” movies, stick around at the Boll Theatre for a 6:30 p.m. performance by the competitive cheer group Columbus Power Elite.
The big event at the grandstand will be the 6:30 p.m. Farm Stock Tractor Pull.
Unlike the earlier antique event, this competition features some of the most modern and powerful tractors being used in agriculture.
Bluegrass music lovers should head to the Farm Bureau Building at 7 p.m. for a one-hour performance by the Possum Glory Train Band.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Fair at a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Bartholomew County 4-H Fair is at 750 W. County Road 200S, Garden City.
Admission to the fair is free, although fees apply for midway rides and grandstand entertainment.
Parking fees will be collected starting at 1 p.m.
VIP parking will be provided at Southside Elementary School by the Columbus FFA. Parking is $5 per day while space is available.
A $15 general parking pass that allows weekly entrance through Gate C is available for purchase at the fair office.
Handicapped parking is available for vehicles with a state-issued handicapped parking pass, located near Southside Elementary School off County Road 200S.
Information: bartholomewcountyfair.com, 812-372-6133
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Bartholomew County Fair schedule” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
TODAY
8:30 a.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Western Halter & Performance Show
9 a.m. to noon: Swine weigh-in
12:15 p.m.: Jack & Jill Pageant check–in — Farm Bureau Building
12:30 p.m.: Lil’ Wrangler Rabbit Show — Pavilion
1 p.m.: 4-H Rabbit Show — Pavilion
1 p.m.: Little Miss & Mister contest interview — David Boll Theatre Gazebo
1 p.m.: Jack & Jill Pageant — Farm Bureau Building
1 p.m.: Columbus FFA Antique Tractor Pull — Grandstand
2 to 10 p.m.: 4-H Community, Family Arts and Commercial buildings open
5 p.m.: Vesper services: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will lead the service — David Boll Theatre next to Community Building
5 p.m.: Midway opens, $23 wristbands
5 to 10 p.m.: Lil’ Hands on the Farm
6 p.m.: Little Miss & Mister Public Contest — David Boll Theatre
6:30 p.m.: Columbus Power Elite competition cheer group — David Boll Theatre
6:30 p.m.: Bartholomew County Farm Stock Tractor Pull — Grandstand
7 to 8 p.m.: Possum Glory Train Band — Farm Bureau Building
MONDAY
7 a.m. to 10 a.m.: 4-H Sheep & Beef/Starter Calf check-in
9 to 11 a.m.: Open Class Flowers entries due — Family Arts Building
9 to 11 a.m.: 4-H Flowers, Crops and Gardening check-in. Record sheets due at check-in.
1 p.m.: Lil’ Wrangler Swine Show, 4-H Gilt Show, Open Carcass will follow
5 to 10 p.m.: Lil’ Hands on the Farm
5 p.m.: Midway opens, $1 per ride
5 to 10 p.m.: 4-H Community Building, Family Arts and Commercial buildings open
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest — Farm Bureau Building (registration at 5 p.m.)
6:30 p.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Contesting Show — includes pole bending, barrels, flags and keyhole
7 to 8 p.m.: Columbus Clogging Company — Farm Bureau Building
7 p.m.: Columbus City Band — David Boll Theatre
7 p.m.: Truck Drags — Side by Side Dirt Drags — Grandstand
[sc:pullout-text-end]
