Preview the possibilities at the St. Joseph County 4H Fair

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Fair season is starting in Michiana, with the St. Joseph County 4H Fair opening on Friday. 

Many vendors and volunteers have been working endlessly in the heat this week, preparing for the fair. 

Shawn Markin is a 4H Junior Leader who volunteers to help set up the fair. 4H is an organization that gives kids like Markin a chance to build their leadership skills. 

“It’s a lot of work, but it pays off in the end,” Markin said. “I’ve really grown up here.” 

He has been participating and volunteering for the past several years, carrying on the family tradition. 

“It started with my grandparents, have been here the longest time, then it was my mom’s turn to come in, and now it’s time for us kids to join,” Markin said. 

Kristen Sikorski-Conklin is the President of the Fair Board, and she and her team have been working for the past year to get everything prepared for the fair. 

“It’s a labor of love; it’s a whole year thing. It doesn’t happen overnight.” Sikorski-Conklin said. “We just love that we can show off our 4Hers that worked hard on their livestock and projects.  We can just open the doors to the community to come and make great summer memories.” 

Sikorski-Conklin said that they even have a new ride, the Pegasus, which is making its Indiana debut at the fair. 

With the heat index on the rise, the fair is doing everything it can to keep families comfortable while they create new memories.  

“We got a couple of AC buildings they can go to if they are feeling warm, also lots of shaded areas,” Sikorski-Conklin said. 

Your family’s health is important to the fair, so don’t forget about hydration. You can bring in your own water bottles from home to the fair. 

Opening day for the St. Joseph County Fair is on Friday and the fair runs until July 11. For more information, visit the website.