The normally quiet, open acreage behind the Porter Expo Center is coming alive as vendors and volunteers prepare for the Porter County Fair.

Fair Manager David Bagnall says there are over 100 volunteers working in the days and weeks leading up to the “best 10 days of summer,” which starts Thursday.

Several events already took place, notably the Porter County Fair Queen Contest, which took place Saturday evening in front of a large crowd in the Patio Room of the Expo Center.

Madison Cary of Chesterton won the crown after competing against 11 other young women. Each contestant had an afternoon interview with the judges prior to the Saturday night runway, where they donned hobby, business, and formal attire, as well as answered an impromptu question written by a fellow contestant.

Cary is a 2021 graduate of Chesterton High School and will attend Franklin College in the fall to pursue a career as a counselor. When asked how she felt after her win, she replied “I’m in disbelief.”

Cary said she is looking forward to being a strong role model for young girls.

There have also been several 4-H events before the gates officially opened, including verbal communications, where 4-Hers give demonstrations and speeches; music performance followed by the Champions Recital; 4-H sewing and consumer clothing followed by the

Fashion Revue; model bridge strength tests; and model airplanes and aerospace flight demonstrations.

4-H kids have now checked in all their Exhibits Hall projects such as photography, artwork, and farm scenes, and volunteers will work over the next few days to judge and display all their projects for the opening of the building on Thursday morning.

In addition to the 4-H livestock barns, Bagnall said the birthing barn at the Buggy Wheel Pavilion has become a popular free attraction over the last few years, and this year it has been fully revamped with all new educational exhibits and photo opportunities.

With general admission, free entertainment on the fairgrounds includes woodcarvers, pig races, tigers, pirates, magic, and even a cowboy circus.

Fair officials announced on social media Tuesday that the Friday Grandstand performance by Lady A with special guests Rockland Road had been canceled “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Patrons who purchased tickets through the fair website will have the credit card used to buy the tickets automatically refunded; otherwise, fair officials said patrons should contact their point of ticket purchase for additional details.

Additional Grandstand performances include Kane Brown, Hardy and Chris Tomlin.

The fair’s 55 food vendors offer corn dogs, elephant ears and deep fried Oreos, among other treats.

This year’s theme is “More to Do in 2022.” For more information, visit www.portercountyfair.com.

Deena Lawley-Dixon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.