4-H Fair’s first Open Flower Show takes place this weekend

The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers and Hamilton County Master Gardener Association are co-sponsoring the inaugural Open Flower Show during the 2026 Hamilton County 4-H Fair at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

The contest is open to any Hamilton County resident or Hamilton County Extension Homemaker or Hamilton County Master Gardener over the age of 18. Entries are submitted for judging on Saturday, July 18 at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Entries will be on display Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.

The theme of the event is “Celebrating America, 1776-2026,” with the categories designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Divisions include Horticulture and Artistic Design. Participants in the Horticulture category can exhibit in any of the following categories: Gladioli, rose, dahlia, zinnia, marigold, sunflower, three varieties of bloom, shrub flower, oriental or Asiatic lily (no day lilies), or snapdragon. Artistic categories include six different classes of fresh flower arrangements honoring the armed forces, the 50 states, celebrating with fireworks, honoring the nation’s flag, freedom to choose, and celebrating our national monuments.

To obtain a complete list of guidelines, divisions, and classes, please stop by the Purdue Extension Hamilton County Office or call (317) 776-0854. More information is available online at puext.in. An entry fee of $2 per item is payable at time of entry.

The Hamilton County Extension Homemakers are made up of nearly 200 volunteers committed to strengthening the homes of Hamilton County. The mission of the Indiana Extension Homemakers Association (IEHA) is “To strengthen families through continuing education, leadership development, and volunteer community support.” For more information about the Extension Homemakers or the Purdue Extension Service of Hamilton County, visit puext.in/hamcohomemakers.

The Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association (HCMGA) is a volunteer organization of around 400 members that partners with Purdue Extension to share research-based gardening knowledge with the community. Members are trained in horticulture and give back through education, outreach programs, and service projects that promote healthy, sustainable landscapes.

For more information about the Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association, visit, hcmga.org.

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is organized and sponsored by the Hamilton County 4-H Council, Inc. and Purdue Extension Hamilton County.

For more information on the 4-H Fair or the Purdue Extension Service, call the Purdue Extension Hamilton County at (317) 776-0854 or visit puext.in/hamilton. A complete schedule of events can be found by clicking the 4-H Fair link. More information can be found on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Be sure to keep reading The Reporter over the coming days for more information about all the activities going on during this year’s 4-H Fair.