Lake County Fair Offers Excitement and Tradition
Tabitha Wright, 14, and Ella Roye, 13, experienced the thrill of the Downdraft at the Lake County Fair with smiles on their faces. “We were not expecting it to be that fast,” said Wright, from Crown Point. “We just saw it going, and we were like, ‘Wait, that looks fun’.”
Kayden Verhatghe, 13, prepared Sparkles for the sheep show. Verhatghe, an eighth grader, has been part of 4-H for five years. The Downdraft, with six cars attached to a base, spins passengers around 30 feet in the air. Despite its intimidating look, both Wright and Roye enjoyed the experience. “It was actually a lot of fun,” said Roye. The two girls were among the attendees at the Lake County Fair opening day.
This year, the Lake County Fair marks its 174th edition and will run until August 16. Admission is $8 for adults and children over 11, while children 10 and under enter for free. Visitors can enjoy fried foods, carnival rides, and 4-H farm animals.
Jordan Wagner traveled from Berrien Springs, Michigan with her daughter, Hayden, to showcase their sheep, Madonna. Friday was their only day at the fair. “My daughter wanted to come to another open show this year,” said Wagner. The family often travels in Indiana and Michigan to show various animals.
Lily Hamilton from Crown Point showed her one-year-old cochin bantam during a master showmanship class. “Showmanship is basically all about you and how you present the animal,” Hamilton explained. She has been in 4-H for about nine years and values connecting with other 4-H members.
While animal shows took place, fairgoers explored the grounds. Greg and Linda Smith, from Cedar Lake, viewed the chickens and ducks after seeing the horses. “It’s nice to get out, walk around,” Linda said, adding that the animals are their main attraction. The Smiths have attended the fair annually for about ten years.
Brett Walker and Heather Miller from St. John visited the fair with their children, Damien, 8, and Dax, 4. Dax enjoyed seeing the chickens and anticipated a ride on the ferris wheel. The family appreciates the fair’s activities, especially as a summer-ending event. Miller said, “My favorite part of being here is seeing their smiles.”