Mike Wolanin | The Republic Spectators gather in the pavilion to watch the 4-H Barrow Show during the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Bartholomew County Fair officials are not changing any schedules for this week’s fair during the intense heat, but acknowledged that attendance is down as temperatures reached into the 90s while the heat index has soared over 100 degrees over the weekend.
Two fairgoers have been overcome by heat so far as the fair enters midweek, but both recovered after being given water and a shaded area to rest, said Fair Board President Rick Trimpe. The fair has misting fans operating for those in the midway area of the fair.
The National Weather Service said temperatures will remain in the mid-90s through the remainder of the week, with heat indexes of more than 100 degrees each day. A heat advisory is remaining in place until 8 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service encourages those under a heat advisory to consider postponing or rescheduling any strenuous outdoor activities, and those who must be outside to drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in the shade. This also includes limiting activity to early morning or late evening when the temperature decreases.
The National Weather Service also said high temperatures combined with high humidity could cause heat illness, characterized by dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stay out of the sun and consume liquids.
Today’s Bartholomew County Fair schedule
Bartholomew County Young Farmers and Ag Professionals Day
8 a.m.: 4-H Tractor Contest Registration begins (record sheet must be turned in at the time of contest)
8:30 a.m.: 4-H Cat registration at 8:30 a.m. and show at 9 a.m. with Caged Critter registration and show to follow
9-11 a.m.: Open Class Flowers due – Family Arts Building
Noon-7 p.m.: 4-H Blacksmithing Continuous Demonstrations throughout the day – Building 6
1 p.m.: Lil’ Wrangler Sheep Show & 4-H Sheep Show – Pavilion
2-10 p.m.: Lil’ Hands on the Farm, 4-H Community Building, Family Arts and Commercial Buildings open
2 p.m.: Pedal Tractor Pull – East of Farm Bureau Building; registration begins at 1 p.m. $2 entry
2-8 p.m.: Public event – Family Day Activity – Extension Homemakers’ Fair Week Activity – Family Arts Building
3 p.m.: Midway opens – Kids Day – $25 wristbands all day and night (no age limit)
3-4:30 p.m.: 4-H Adventure Day Carnival – David Boll Theatre
6-9 p.m.: 3 Beards Strummin’ – David Boll Theatre
6:30 p.m.: Cupcake Eating Contest – Farm Bureau Building, registration 6 p.m., $3 entry
6:30 p.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Make up or Free day
7 p.m.: NTPA Tractor Pull & Farm Stock Open – Grandstand
NTPA Tractor Pull & Farm Stock Open – Grandstand
