The arrival of the opening day of the Bartholomew County Fair on Friday will also be the beginning of summer’s first heat wave, with temps soaring into the 90s and high humidity in the forecast.
Fair officials say they do not have any plans to change any of the schedule due to the forecast, although they acknowledge that sometimes, high temperatures and humidity mean fewer visitors to the fairgrounds.
Historically, the fair has lower attendance when temperatures are higher, said Rick Trimpe, president of the Bartholomew County Fair Board.
Throughout this weekend’s fair schedule, look for temperatures in the 90s, continuing into next week according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures could reach up to 100 degrees on Saturday and Sunday and with the humidity, feel hotter than that, according to forecasters.
Along with the extreme temperatures, humidity will also increase as the weekend continues, reaching up to 56% on Thursday. Although the National Weather Service said temperatures may moderate as fair week continues, there is also a chance of thunderstorms next week.
All 4-H entries, including livestock, are still planned to be entered on their designated day, with animals arriving at the fairgrounds beginning Friday. The fairgrounds will provide barn fans for any animals at the fairground barns as usual, but events will still continue as scheduled, fair officials said.
Currently, there are no plans for changes to accommodate the heat for those visiting the midway or pavilions. Trimpe said the fair will use misting fans on the midway as in the past.
Trimpe is hopeful that guests can still enjoy the fairgrounds this weekend, but encourages visitors to stay safe and hydrated.
Friday’s fair schedule
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
FRIENDS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DAY
7-11 a.m.: 4-H Goat check-in—Goats will be weighed as they come off the truck. Entry ticket must be submitted for all goats by 11 a.m. Subject to change pending weather conditions.
10 a.m.: Lil’ Wrangler Poultry Show & 4-H Poultry Show – Pavilion
5 p.m.: OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE FAIR
5 p.m.: Midway Opening Night – $30 Wristband
5–10 p.m.: Lil’ Hands on the Farm, 4-H Community Building, Family Arts and Commercial Buildings open
6 p.m.: Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences Demonstration – Family Arts Building
7 p.m.: High Rise – 70’s – 2000’s Rock Band – David Boll Theatre
7 p.m.: 4-H Blacksmithing Demonstration – Building 6
7 p.m.: Columbus Cloggers – Farm Bureau Building
7 p.m.: Bigfoot Monster Truck Show sponsored by Full Throttle Motorsports – Grandstand
8 p.m.: 4-H Watermelon Relay – Horse Arena
