178th annual LaPorte County Fair emphasizes curiosity for this year’s week of fun activities

The 178th annual LaPorte County Fair is returning to the Region this July with a line up of fun activities for the whole family. As the longest-running fair in Indiana, the LaPorte County Fair has become a Northwest Indiana staple, and this year’s planned festivities are sure to keep the tradition of fair enjoyment going.

The fair will kick off on Saturday, July 6 at noon with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, all fair buildings will be open for exploration. While attendees visit the various buildings, they may run into Oakley the Tree Man, the walking, talking giant sure to gather a crowd.

“Our first Saturday, we’ll have a ribbon ceremony and our Queen contest. A lot of our other attractions will also open up,” said President of the Fair Board of Directors Steve Mrozinski. “We’ll also have Oakley the Tree Man, an antique tractor show, and a live shark encounter that will be there all week.”

On Sunday, July 7, live entertainment will begin for the week starting with the Head Honchos at the entertainment tent. Additionally, the first day of derbies will commence with the International Demolition Derby at the Motor Sports Arena. This derby will be followed by the Figure Eight Derby on Monday and a second showing of the International Demolition Derby on Friday.

“The derbies are always sold out, which is great,” said Mrozinski.

The fair is placing a special focus on bringing in students to view the 4-H programs and become involved. To achieve this goal, the fair will be running its Curious Kids Trail every day of the week and will additionally be hosting a special day that children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County can visit early.

“One of the things we’re really emphasizing this year is inviting all of the local Boys & Girls Clubs to enjoy the fair,” Mrozinski said. “Our Queen will read them books, and the kids will get to go around and see all of the animals. We're hoping that brings more 4-H kids back in the future, but it's just fun to see all those kids come and have a good time.”

The fair would not be possible without sponsors like Kankakee Valley REMC, Surf Internet, Keystone Cooper, and other generous local businesses. It also takes plenty of volunteers, something Fair Manager Don Stoner is grateful to always have.

“It wouldn’t be much of a fair without all of the volunteers that we get to offer their time,” he said. “Not only just the fair side of things, but the 4-H side as well. 4-H, as it is, would not exist without volunteers. They really make it all happen.”

The LaPorte County Fair has a plethora of events ready for the community this season. Check out a selected list below or view the full schedule on the fair’s website.

Saturday, July 6

12 p.m. - Ribbon cutting and flag ceremony

12 p.m. - Curious Kids Trail opens

12:30 p.m. - Live shark encounters begin

2 p.m. - LaPorte County Toddler Pageant

4 p.m. - LaPorte County Queen Contest

6 p.m. - Antique Tractor Parade

Sunday, July 7

10 a.m. - Gates open

11 a.m. - Old Time Church Service

12 p.m. - Pioneerland opens

5 p.m. - Pioneerland Ham and Bean Supper

7 p.m. - Head Honchos perform

7 p.m. - International Demolition Derby

Monday, July 8

Senior Day

10 a.m. - Gates open

10 a.m. - Bear Hollow Wood Carvers

10 a.m. - Petting Zoo opens

12 p.m. - Story time with the Queen

5 p.m. - Carnival rides open

7 p.m. - Figure Eight Derby

Tuesday, July 9

10 a.m. - Gates open

12 p.m. - Story time with the Queen

1 p.m. - Carnival rides open

4 p.m. - 4H Champions and mini-Champions graduation

8 p.m. - Priscilla Block with special guest Connor Smith

Wednesday, July 10