4-H Fair spotlights glassblowing, history

With new and traditional events, Wayne County 4-H Fair celebrates 175 years of fairs in the county and 50 years at its current location starting Saturday, June 20.

New highlights include glassblowing demonstrations from 2-8 p.m. most days and living history programs featuring Daniel Boone from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, and Abraham Lincoln from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 21.

Wayne County’s connection to international automotive history will be spotlighted with two screenings of “Blind Logic,” the documentary about Ralph Teetor, the late Hagerstown inventor of cruise control. It will be shown at noon and 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24.

Indiana Farm Bureau and Wayne County Extension Homemakers are teaming for a new event to reach kids. Books to the Barn from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 25, is open to all families at the community tent behind First Bank Kuhlman Center. It includes a story time, hands-on craft, tasty treat and special trips to the barns to visit livestock. The first 50 families receive a free book.

Youth projects and ag competitions continue to showcase the hard work of 4-H members and their leaders and families. Open class and 4-H exhibits can be seen from noon-8 p.m. daily at First Bank Kuhlman Center through Thursday, June 25. The livestock auction at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, winds down most animal events.

Daily highlights

In addition to ongoing Poor Jack Amusement rides and games, exhibits, and commercial vendors, here are a few notable events:

• Saturday, June 20: 4-H tractor operator’s contest, 2:30 p.m.; 4-H pet/cat show, 4 p.m.; open sheep show, demolition derby and music by Cindy Slick, 6 p.m.; Roadhouse Rhythm Kings (rock/country/blues), 7:30 p.m. free stage; “Goat” animated movie, dark
• Sunday: Dog show, 9 a.m.; swine show, 10 a.m.; free ice cream social, 2-4 p.m.; obstacle racing, 2 p.m.; bluegrass and gospel music by The Fox Family, Backwoods Bluegrass Band and McLain Family Band, 3-8 p.m.; rabbit showmanship, 3 p.m.; frog jump-off, 4 p.m.; Abe Lincoln, 6-8 p.m.
• Monday: Swine show, 4 p.m.; car show, 5 p.m.; horse/pony show, 5:30 p.m.; dance demonstrations, The Singing Fireman and tractor parade, 6 p.m.; truck/tractor pull, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: Poultry show, 8 a.m.; Myotonic, Pygmy and meat goat show, 11 a.m.; blood drive, 4-8:30 p.m.; health expo, 5-8 p.m.; Silly Safaris animal shows, 5:30 and 7 p.m.; horse/pony show, 5:30 p.m.; sheep show, 6 p.m.; Daniel Boone, 6-8 p.m.; tractor pull, 7 p.m.
• Wednesday: Dairy goat show, 9 a.m.; dairy beef show, 11 a.m.; beef heifer and showmanship show, 2 p.m.; beef steer show, tractor parade, Kicks 96 Idol contest and fair history display, 6 p.m.; rodeo, 7 p.m.
• Thursday: Dairy show, 9 a.m.; kids’ ride special, 1-5 p.m. for $15; horse/pony fun and games, 2 p.m.; Community Choristers performance, 5 p.m.; Silly Safaris, 5:30 and 7 p.m.; supreme showman contest and singer Debbie Lynn, 6 p.m.; demolition derby, 7 p.m. Thrifty Thursday food specials all day.
• Friday: Livestock auction, 11 a.m.; mud bog, 7 p.m.; Longshots band, 7:30 p.m.; fireworks, dark.
• Saturday: Open dairy show, 9 a.m.; Kicks 96 Idol finals, 5 p.m., followed by karaoke; dirt drag races, 7 p.m.