Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of ticket booths on the midway for the Bartholomew County Fair at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The Bartholomew County Fair will begin Friday, June 20 with a crowd favorite — monster trucks.
The Bigfoot Monster Truck Show is set for the grandstand on the fair’s opening day with six trucks coming back this year after record attendance last year, fair organizers said.
More than 200 young people are expected to participate in 4-H activities this year, Fair Board President Rick Trimpe said. While 4-H and agricultural activities are a big draw for visitors, Trimpe also encourages people to check out the midway, returning vendors and sponsors.
Kissel Entertainment is returning to the midway for the fourth consecutive year, bringing familiar rides and games for all ages. There will be multiple wristband nights throughout the nine-day event, and a midway public closure is planned to allow those with disabilities to enjoy the rides and entertainment free.
Fair officials are working to construct a new racing track in the Grandstand for TQ midget racing, to host the All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24.
Trimpe expects an attendance of more than 100,000 people from the Bartholomew County area and beyond during the fair’s run. With the anticipated increased attendance, Trimpe is excited to share that vendor and camping spots are full for the first time since before 2020.
“We (board members) do it for the kids,” Trimpe said. “It’s just nice to come around and see the kids laughing and smiling and having fun and showing their animals … we get a kick out of that.”
Some of the most popular community events are:
Friday, June 20: The official opening of the fair will be at 5 p.m. Unlimited rides will be available with the purchase of a $30 wristband. High Rise, 70’s – 2000’s rock band, plays at 7 p.m. in the David Boll Theatre, along with the Bigfoot Monster Truck Show at the grandstand and a show from the Columbus Cloggers in the Farm Bureau Building at the same time.
Saturday, June 21: Military Appreciation Day allowing anyone with military identification to park for free. The midway is open from 2-8 p.m, then 8p.m. to midnight with $25 Midnight Madness wristbands. Little Miss and Mister contest will be in the David Boll Theatre at 3 p.m. The Demolition Derby will be in the Grandstand at 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 22: The midway opens at 3 p.m. with $35 wristbands for unlimited rides. The watermelon seed spitting contest kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with registration at 5 p.m. The children’s baking contest is 6-7 p.m. in the family arts building.
Monday, June 23: The midway opens at 5 p.m. with $2 rides. Fishers of men Christian contemporary group will perform 6-8 p.m. in the David Boll Theatre, followed by the Three Bar J Rodeo at 7 p.m. in the grandstand.
Tuesday, June 24: The midway is closed to the public, but open 1-3 p.m. for disabled, challenged, at risk to ride for free. The Chordlighters will perform in David Boll Theatre at 6 p.m. The All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets race begins at 7 p.m. in the grandstand.
Wednesday, June 25: The midway opens at 3 p.m. with $25 wristbands for unlimited rides. The 3 Beards Strummin’ classic rock and country group will perform at 6 p.m. in the David Boll Theatre.
Thursday, June 26: The midway opens at 5 p.m. Timothy Scott, classic rock, will perform at 7 p.m. in the David Boll Theatre. Green Timbe Music featuring Louie and Teresa Green will perform in the Farm Bureau Building at 8 p.m.
Friday, June 27: The midway opens with regular ticket prices from 5-8 p.m. The 4-H parade of champions is at 5 p.m. in the livestock pavilion. The antique tractor pull will be in the grandstand at 7 p.m. The night will end with Midnight Madness on the midway: $25 wristbands.
Saturday, June 28: The 4-H livestock sale in the pavilion at 8:15 a.m. Midway is open 3-10 p.m. with $35 wristbands. The demolition derby is in the grandstand at 7 p.m.
