4-H'ers, animals seek heat relief
GREENCASTLE -- The heat index reached triple digits Saturday, leaving many 4-H'ers and their animals looking for relief.
Many large fans were set up in each of the barns to help keep the animals cool, while many people were drinking water and not over exerting themselves to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
"The weather has been hard on the rabbits," said Lynette Williams, youth director for Putnam County Rabbit Breeders Association.
The Greencastle Fire Department loaned the rabbit barn large fans to help keep the critters cool during the weeklong fair in the July summer heat. The PCRB Association held a fundraiser Saturday evening in the producer's tent to help purchase fans for the barn.
"The barn is full this year," said Williams, which means there about 195 rabbits entered in the fair.
Williams said the group's member numbers are up with only one 10-year 4-H'er and many first-year participants.
In the goat show Saturday, Sabrina Arnold was awarded champion with her goat "Blondie."
Today will be the horse show at 5 p.m. in the open arena and the exhibit hall will be open from 10 a.m. to the fair's closing time at 10 p.m. In the hall, a knowledge challenge quiz will be held at 5 p.m. This quiz is over 4-H projects and general knowledge of the 4-H program including leaders, barn superintendents and fair board personnel.
All county 4-H'ers participating this year are eligible to compete in the quiz for awards and the chance to move up in divisions from year to year.
At 7 p.m. tonight, there will be a lawn mower and mini-rod pull and Grand Drive Swine Show in the inside arena. Taking the free entertainment stage tonight is Crossfire from 7 to 10 p.m.