Opinion

Adult Style Show pre-judging July 6

Monday, June 29, 2009
Sisters Mataya and Mackenzie Smith are wearing dresses made for them by special family friend, Dorothy Wells. Wells made outfits that the girls will model during the Homemakers' Style Show during Family Fun Day at the Fair. Wells is a member of the Family, Friends and Fun Club that is hosting this year's Family Fun Day.

As the countdown to the 2009 County Fair continues, the first item on tap for Adult Open Class competition is the Homemakers' Style Show pre-judging, which is slated for Monday, July 6th in the Courthouse Annex. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Office classroom.

Participation in the pre-judging is no longer necessary to compete in the State Fair 'Showcase of Fashion' style show. However, it is required in order to be considered for awards in the Putnam County Adult Open Class Style Show. The public viewing of the style show will be held during the morning of "Family Fun Day at the Fair" on Wednesday, July 22nd.

Any Putnam County resident 18 years or older who sews either for their self or for others, is welcome to participate. This year's style show is being organized and overseen by Tara Baugh and Marsha Arnold.

As usual, the committee will welcome additional sewers, who wish to participate in the public style show but not in the judging, to come early the day of the style show to register.

The theme of this year's Family Fun Day is "Christmas in July". The day is being planned and hosted by members of Family, Friends and Fun, the Russellville Rustlers and the Bak'n Bunch Extension Homemakers Clubs. The Family Fun Day program which is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m., will include numerous fun activities. In addition to the morning style show, the day will include games, refreshments, door prizes, and entertainment by the Covered Bridge Chorus. Family Fun Day will conclude with the Annual Purse Auction.

This will be the fourth year for the Purse Auction, which has proven to be a fun, fund raiser for the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall. Purses that have been filled with treasurers and surprises by Extension Homemaker Club members and volunteers in the Adult Open Class exhibit hall are auctioned to the highest bidder. Bidders can see the outside of the purse but the contents are mostly secret until after the bidding.

In addition to all of the fun being planned by the clubs hosting the 2009 Family Fun Day, they are also working very hard to bring the "Spirit of Christmas" to others in the community. They are sponsoring a food drive during the entire week of the fair. Everyone in the community is encouraged to bring either a food or personal care item to the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall during fair week. All items received will be donated to a local food pantry to help Putnam County residents in need.

Another feature of Family Fun Day will be visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Anyone who'd like their photo taken with Santa, can get a photo for a small donation. All donations received from the photos will be given to local food pantries.

So remember:

It will soon be the week of the Fair,

And all through the land

Residents will be gathering

Open class exhibits in hand.

Ribbons will be hung

By the judges with care

While exhibitors hope

The Champion ribbon is theirs...

The above verses are part of a poem by Peggy McFarland who is helping plan Family Fun Day. Be sure to come join in the fun and hear the rest of her story, as we celebrate Christmas in July, by helping others and having a lot of fun at the same time.

Remember to check our Web site www.extension.purdue/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

July 6: Pre-judging of Adult Showcase of Fashion 6:30 p.m. Ext. Office;

July 7: "Smarter Dressing & Shopping for Those Over 30"-7:00 p.m. Extension Office;

July 9: Exploring 4-H, 1 PM, Fairgrounds;

July 14: Enter non-food exhibits in Adult Open Class 4-7 p.m.;

July 17-25 Putnam County Fair;

July 18: Enter Open Class Culinary exhibits 9-11 a.m.;

July 22: Family Fun Day at the Fair;

July 23: Bakers' Best Contest - Flavor PEACH;

July 24 Putnam County Fair Livestock Auction;

Aug. 10: Extension Homemaker lesson "Taste of Italy"- 7 p.m. at Extension Office