Elkhart County Fair: Indiana’s Largest County Fair

It’s fair time! Counties across the country celebrate agriculture in late summer, typically in July and August. We try to go to at least one county fair each year. Last year, we stopped at the Elkhart County Fair in Goshen, Indiana, during our visit to the area. The Elkhart County Fair is Indiana’s largest county fair and one of the largest in the United States. This well-attended fair drew over 202,500 people in 2017. 

2023 Update: In 2023, the Elkhart County Fair runs from July 21 to July 29.

One of the first things that impressed me about the fair was the fairgrounds landscaping. Most fairgrounds we’re familiar with are plain-Jane, functional and clean, but unadorned. The entrance to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds is beautifully landscaped with flowers and shrubbery. The landscaping doesn’t end at the entrance. Almost all of the buildings throughout the fairgrounds are landscaped with colorful flowers and nicely manicured shrubs.

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Elkhart County FairElkhart County Fairgrounds

Elkhart County Fairgrounds Ag HallElkhart County Fairgrounds Historical MuseumElkhart County Fairgrounds scarecrows

Another thing that impresses me about county and state fairs in general is the obvious love young people put into the animals they’ve brought to show. It’s common to see them carefully washing and grooming the animals, preparing them for show.

Elkhart County Fair - horseElkhart County Fair sheep groomingElkhart County Fair - goat

Not surprising, tractor displays are common at a fair. Farm implement dealers show new tractors, and collectors sometimes exhibit antique farm equipment.

Elkhart County Fair tractor displayElkhart County Fair - tractor

Of course, no fair would be complete without a midway filled with rides, carnival games and food-on-a-stick. The extensive midway at the Elkhart County Fair is abundant with those things. Elkhart County Fair midway rides

Elkhart County Fair carnival games

However, as we do at most fairs, we skipped the food-on-a-stick and headed to the Pork Producers area for a pork burger.

Elkhart County Fair Pork ProducersElkhart County Fair pork burger

Beyond the food, animals, and rides, the Elkhart County Fair offers concerts, dance shows, car races, and so much more. We didn’t allow nearly enough time to see everything. We need to go back and spend at least a full day in the future.

If you go to the Elkhart County Fair

  • In 2023, the Elkhart County Fair runs from July 22-29.
  • The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds is located at 17746 County Road 34 in Goshen, Indiana.
  • Visit the web site for further details, including ticket prices and the full event schedule.Accommodations

Pin It!Elkhart County Fair
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Disclosures: The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted our visit to the area.

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