The 2025 Putnam County Fair officially kicked off on Saturday, July 13, with the highly anticipated fair parade.
The streets were lined with families and fairgoers of all ages eager to catch a glimpse of the floats, tractors, community groups, and creative entries. Among this year’s standout entries, the Rabbit Club/Barn was awarded Grand Champion Youth Float, while the Putnam County Master Gardeners took home the title Reserve Champion for the Adult Division for their beautifully themed and well-crafted float.
Behind the scenes, the excitement began well before the first parade float rolled down the street. In the week leading to the fair, 4-H youth were hard at work finalizing their exhibit hall projects and preparing them for judging. Exhibitors showcased a wide variety of projects — from construction and architectural replicas to foods, wearable and non-wearable sewing items, crafts, woodworking, and electricity. The exhibit hall quickly filled with colorful, detailed, and thoughtful projects that reflected months of dedication and hands-on learning.
This year’s fair featured a total of 692 exhibitors, which included not only our traditional 4-H members but also our enthusiastic Exploring 4-H youth. Each participant brought their own energy and effort to the fairgrounds, contributing to a vibrant and memorable week.
The excitement didn’t stop with the youth projects. The Adult Open Class was another highlight of the fair, welcoming community members of all ages to showcase their skills and creativity. Many impressive exhibits filled this area, with a strong showing of hand-made quilts that captivated visitors with their intricate patterns and craftsmanship. New this year, the Adult Open Class committee live streamed their judging via Facebook, allowing friends, family, and community members near and far to tune in and celebrate the talents of local adults in real time.
On Thursday, July 17, the fairgrounds began to welcome the first wave of livestock, with llamas, alpacas, and goats leading the way. The rest of the animals arrived on Saturday, July 19, bringing energy, excitement, and the unique atmosphere only the fair can deliver.
A special moment of celebration took place on Thursday, July 24, as we honored our 32 ten-year 4-H members during the Ten-Year Member Recognition Ceremony. Each of these dedicated youth received a personalized embroidered blanket to commemorate their decade of commitment and growth within the 4-H program. During this ceremony, we also recognized the recipients of Community Foundation Scholarships, Indiana 4-H Foundation Scholarships, and our Tenure Award winners, celebrating the academic achievements and long-term dedication of our outstanding youth.
This year’s fair was truly an experience for all five senses:
Smell: Nothing says county fair like the mouthwatering aroma of Legion burgers wafting across the grounds.
Sight: Smiling, proud 4-H members lit up the barns and exhibit halls, full of excitement to share and exhibit what they’ve worked on all year.
Taste: Fairgoers indulged in sweet dairy barn milkshakes and the unforgettable flavor of pulled pork nachos from the Junior Leader concession stand.
Touch: The warmth of the sun and the week’s high temperatures were felt by everyone—but it didn’t dampen the spirits of those showing animals or supporting from the sidelines.
Sound: Laughter, encouragement, and applause echoed from every barn and the exhibit hall, especially during the always competitive and crowd-pleasing Battle of the Barns contest.
This weeklong celebration of youth development, community, and agriculture would not be possible without the incredible efforts of our 4-H volunteers. From coordinating events to offering mentorship and support, they are the backbone of the fair experience. Their dedication ensures that our 4-H youth can learn, grow, and celebrate their accomplishments in the best way possible.
As the excitement of the county fair comes to a close, we now turn our attention to the GREAT Indiana State Fair, running August 1 through August 17. This year’s theme, “Soundtrack of Summer,” promises music, memories, and plenty of fair fun. When attending, be on the lookout for the successes of our Putnam County youth — many of whom have projects that advanced to the state level. Whether on display in the Exhibit Hall or being shown in the livestock barns, their hard work and achievements continue to shine.
Thank you to all the volunteers, families, and community members who made this year's Putnam County Fair unforgettable — and for helping us prove once again that it truly is “the best week of the year.”
Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.
Upcoming Events:
Aug. 1-17 – Indiana State Fair (closed Mondays)
Aug. 6 – Pressure Gauge Testing, 2-6:30 pm, $5 per canner, Extension Office, schedule your 20-minute appointment at https://tinyurl.com/cantest25
Aug. 23 – Forestry Field Day, 9 am – 12 pm, Nelson-Stoke-Lewman Woodland, register at smith535@purdue.edu or 765-653-8411
