It's almost fair time! It's one of those great annual events we just love to enjoy each summer. There are ninety-two counties in Indiana and each and every one hosts a county fair each summer. So, what makes the Morgan County Fair so special?
We're so glad you asked! There are several great reasons for your family to venture out to the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Martinsville during the fair - note the new date - July 7-14, 2023. Here are a few of of the annual fair events, activities, and foods that keep us coming back year after year!
Sweet Corn, Donuts, Ice Cream, Grilled Cheese...
Yes, all the typical fair food will be there - elephant ears, funnel cakes, corn dogs... but if you want a truly amazing fair food experience, get off the Midway and take advantage of the many local food vendors in the Food Court area, located in the center of the fairgrounds. You'll find the Morgan County Cattleman's Association (go for the ribeye sandwich and roasted sweet corn), the Pork Producers (pork burgers and pork chops are always a hit), fresh homemade-recipe ice cream from the Morgantown Fire Department, made-to-order grilled cheese from Tri-Kappa (try one with tomatoes and mozzarella), freshly made donuts from Kappa Kappa Sigma, as well as pizza, tacos, tenderloin sandwiches and freshly-made lemon shake-ups! The best part? Your money is going to support a number of great local organizations that make a positive impact on the Morgan County community. (If you love food - don't miss the Chopped Challenge on Saturday, July 8. Area home chefs compete to see who can make the tastiest culinary creations with this year's signature ingredient!)
Free Stage Performances
The Morgan County Fair Free Stage always has a fun line up of entertainment scheduled throughout fair week. Shows range from musical acts to the Silly Safari live animal show. The Martinsville Community Band will take the stage at 8 pm on Friday, July 7. On Saturday, July 8, the Little Miss and Mr. Contest will take place beginning at 6 pm, followed by the Derrick Weidner Band at 7 pm. Sunday, July 9 at 6:00 pm, local favorites Paul & McCartney will perform. Another local favorite singing everything from Bluegrass to Gospel to Rock is the Blue Eyes & Grey Skies Band, who will take the stage on Monday, July 10 at 7 pm. Tuesday, July 11 will bring Maddy Collingsworth to the Free Stage, beginning at 7 pm. Wednesday, July 12 will feature the Silly Safaris live animal show, beginning at 7 pm. On Thursday, July 13 at 8 pm, catch "the wildest piano rock-n-roll show since Jerry Lewis" with Terry Lee and the Million Dollar Band. On Friday, July 14, the Tune Tossers will round out the schedule with a 7 pm start time.
Stock Truck & Tractor Pulls - Friday, July 7
What's a county fair with some sort of pulling event? On Friday, July 7, the Grandstand will feature the stock truck and tractor pulls beginning at 7 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12 (kids 5 and under are free). Get access to the pits for only $15 per person! For those who like their pulling events with a side of cuteness, there's also a Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull at the Antique Machinery Barn on Wednesday, July 12. Registration for that event begins at 12:30 pm.
Rodeo Night - Saturday, July 8
On Saturday, July 8, the grandstand will welcome the South Plains Rodeo Company for a night of cowboy (and girl!) action. General admission will be $10 per person for adults or $5 per person for kids age 6 to 12. Kids under 6 are free. Rodeo action is set to begin at 5 pm.
Quad & Motorcycle Racing - Sunday, July 9
Enjoy a night excitement with quad and motorcycle racing at the Grandstands on Sunday, July 9, beginning at 7 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. Pit Gate admission is $15 per person.
Dirt Bike Racing - Monday, July 10
Dirt Bike Racing is the featured event at the Grandstand on Monday, July 10 with a 7 pm start time. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. Pit Gate admission is $15 per person.
Micro Wrestling - Tuesday, July 11
The Grandstand will welcome Micro Wrestling on Tuesday, July 11, beginning at 7 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-12 and kids age 5 and under are free! The show will run approximately two hours.
4-H Night at the Grandstand - Wednesday, July 12
Wednesday is 4-H Night at the Grandstand! Come out and support these hardworking kids. One of the fun events on the schedule for 4-H Night at the Grandstand is a Human Tractor Pull! Teams of 6 will compete for cash prizes.
Morgan County Fair Christian Benefit Concert: Chris Tomlin - Thursday, July 13
Grammy Award winning performer Chris Tomlin will take the stage at the Grandstand on Thursday, July 13, along with special guests Megan Duke, DownPour and Natalie Layne, for an evening of Christian music to benefit local area non-profit organizations. Tickets are available online or at the gate and admission ranges from $25 (bleacher seats) to $100 with four seating levels. Music begins at 6 pm.
Demolition Derby - Friday, July 14 & Saturday, July 15
Of course, the Demolition Derby will also make an appearance during Fair Week at the Grandstand! There will be two nights of Demo Derby action - Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. Action begins both nights at 7 pm. Admission for any of these events is $10 for adults, and $5 for kids ages 6-12 (kids 5 and under are free). Pit Gate admission is $15 per person.
Midway Rides - All Week
The Midway Rides, courtesy of Poor Jack Amusements, will be open beginning on Friday, July 7, through Friday, July 14 (weather permitting). Kiddie Days feature unlimited rides for only $17 per person between 1 and 5 pm on Saturday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 12. Family Nights will feature unlimited rides for $25 per person from 6 pm until closing, on weeknights, Monday through Friday, July 10-14.
For more details on the events listed here or additional information on this year's fair, visit Morgancountyindianafair.org. See you at the fairgrounds!
