As visitors exited the Downdraft ride, Tabitha Wright, 14, and Ella Roye, 13, beamed with excitement despite the ride’s intensity. “We weren’t expecting it to be so fast,” said Wright, who lives in Crown Point. “We saw it in action and thought, ‘Wait, this looks fun’.” The Downdraft, with its six cars, spins passengers around at 30 feet in the air, offering a thrilling experience. Yet, neither Wright nor Roye felt scared. “It was actually a lot of fun,” Roye commented.
Wright and Roye were among those who flocked to the Lake County Fairgrounds for the event’s opening day. For these Wheeler Middle School students, the fair marks a perfect end to their summer break. The fair, in its 174th iteration, will continue until August 16. Admission is $8 for adults and children over 11, with free entry for kids under 10. Attendees can enjoy an assortment of fried foods, games, and see 4-H farm animals.
“My daughter wanted to come to another open show this year,” said Jordan Wagner, who journeyed from Berrien Springs, Michigan, with her daughter Hayden. They brought along their sheep, Madonna, for the event. Wagner reminisced, “In my youth, I showed animals too, so watching my daughter do the same fills me with pride.”
Wagner’s family travels through Indiana and Michigan to present animals such as sheep, goats, and pigs. With a deep bond founded on shared activities, she cherishes watching her daughter grow through various shows. Lily Hamilton from Crown Point, a veteran of about nine years in 4-H, also showcased her animals, specifically her cochin bantam chicken. She participated in a master showmanship class, explaining, “Showmanship emphasizes how you present the animal, rather than the animal itself.” Hamilton values the camaraderie gained through 4-H, enjoying the friendships forged with other participants.
Meanwhile, fairgoers could enjoy other attractions as the event unfolded. Greg and Linda Smith, long-time attendees from Cedar Lake, cherished their tradition of exploring the animals every year. “It’s nice to get out and walk around,” said Linda. “The animals are the highlight. That’s why we come to the fair.” The couple has attended the fair for roughly a decade. Greg noted that visiting on opening day has become a beloved routine.
Brett Walker and Heather Miller, accompanied by their children Damien, 8, and Dax, 4, appreciated the chance to visit with family and engage their kids in various activities. Dax delighted in seeing the chickens and eagerly awaited the ferris wheel ride. “The energy and excitement for school build here,” Miller explained. “It’s the perfect place for the kids to let off some steam and for us to witness their joy.”
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