For the first time in decades, the White County Fair and the 4-H Fair will coincide. Leaders with both organizations say they’re thrilled to come together for the betterment of all involved. The melding of the two events means a date change for the White County Fair and could encourage other groups and organizations to hop on the bandwagon as well.
City of Carmi fireworks will be held on June 28th this year and the fairgrounds will serve as the center point for that. Chamber Executive Director Megan Newman is encouraging businesses and organizations to host events and plan for community spirit.
The following weekend, the White County 4-H and Agricultural Fair kicks off with clean up and the dog, cat, and small pets show at the floral hall. That’s on July 5th.
On Sunday, July 6th, the 4-H Fair makes the trek out to the Carmi Rifle Club for shooting sports including air rifle, pistol, and archery shoots at 2pm with a shotgun shoot planned for 4pm. The White County Fair will officially say goodbye to Andi Garner, the reigning Fair Queen and crown new royalty to preside over the coming week on Sunday, July 6th.
Monday morning, 4-Hers will be busy showing off their food and clothing projects. Later in the day, between 4pm – 8pm, many of the 140 or so 4-H members in White County will descend on the floral hall to bring their general projects for showing and display. At 5pm, poultry which could amount to chicken on a stick due to the current concerns surrounding avian flu along with rabbits will be shown at the livestock barn. Meanwhile at the grandstand, fairgoers will enjoy a community gospel sing headlined by the area’s many talented performers.
Tuesday morning, youngsters will take over the floral hall once again as it’ll be time for the general projects show to get underway at 9am. While that’s all happening inside, kids will show off their skills during the Tractor Driving Contest. Later in the day over at the livestock barn, members of the bovine ilk along with sheep, goats, and swine will all face weigh in before their show on Wednesday. Tuesday night in front of the grandstand, fairgoers will gorge themselves on corndogs, funnel cakes and lemon shakeups whilst slack jawed at the high flying motocross fun.
In addition to the Livestock show on Wednesday, July 9th, 4-H will be hosting their annual Pork Chop Sandwich Sale from 3pm – 7pm. The awards show for 4-Hers is scheduled for 5pm at the floral hall and the Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction takes place at 7pm. Harness racing, a long standing fair tradition takes to the track beginning at 5pm Wednesday.
Events for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to wrap up the fair include an emerging fan favorite in Pig Penning; and new this year, the fair board is bringing a Mini Tractor Pull to the grandstand. And of course, it wouldn’t be the White County Fair if it wasn’t closed out with a giant demolition derby. Organizer Chad Bandy says to plan for a new Street Stock (knock the windows out and go play) class along with Bone Stock, Chain & Wire, and Minis Classes. Additionally, Bandy will bring the Power Wheels once again so future drivers can get on the track in between classes.
Officials say other improvements and new developments are also possible. Stay tuned for further developments.
