Harness racing, tractor pulling among events at Elkhart County Fair
GOSHEN, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Fair is going full speed.
Organizers expect thousands will make their way to the fairgrounds for the different events this year.
The main events happen at the Grand Stand Track and the fun is for everyone.
The Elkhart County Fair began on Friday and brings 9 days of fun for what’s expected to be more than 200,000 people.
One of those events is the harness racing, which takes place on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday at 11 a.m.
“Our track is known for being one of the fastest, if not the fastest, half-mile track of the nation,” said Brooke Gabriele, Assistant Director of Harness Racing. “This is our 43rd year for the harness racing at the fairgrounds.”
Events taking place in the Grand Stand Tracks include the tractor pull, harness racing, the rodeo, the demolition derby, and all of the concerts.
The tractor pull started in the early 1970s. Fred Jessup, Director of the Tractor Pull, says it’s “awesome entertainment. All kinds of horse power. If you like motor sports, you’ll love tractor pulling.”
The tractor pull happens on the 26th at 8 in the morning and goes into the evening. Anyone can participate in the tractor pull.
“You can sign up the day of the tractor pull, and that’s when basically everyone signs up. If you want to pull, bring your tractor and have fun,” said Jessup.
“Our grand stands will be packed and that’s another great thing. You have shade, and you can have a wonderful seat. You can see the whole track from the grand stand and you can grab some awesome fair food,” said Gabriele.
You can watch the horses warm up before the harness racing starting at 9 a.m., while registration for the tractor pull on the 26th begins at 7 a.m.