If the Fair is over it must be fall

For many when the Fair is over it seems like it is only MINUTES until the kids are going back to school and for many that equates with the end of summer. However, technically and according to the calendar, we still have more than a month of summer left to go. This year the temperatures are also reminding us that it can't possibly be autumn yet. Another indication that summer can't be over, is the fact that we are still waiting for our quota of ripe tomatoes.

Back to the Fair, we survived another memorably HOT and one. Fortunately, we didn't suffer any major losses due to the heat. For the first time in many years the entries in the Adult Open Class exhibit hall were down slightly, which we guessed could be due to a combination of the heat and continuing depressed economy. Even though the number of exhibits were down slightly, the quality remained extremely high and once again impressed all of our judges.

I would like to thank all of the volunteers and participants who once again worked together to help make the programs and exhibits in the Community Building truly outstanding. The patriotic themed Ladies Day program was well attended and much enjoyed. The 6th Annual Purse Auction was a lot of fun and the Bakers' Best Contest with over 100 entries raised more money than ever before. The proceeds from both auctions will be used to fund future programs as well as to help improve the facilities in the Community Building.

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors, People's Choice winner, Rachel Curtis, Overall Top Exhibitor, Kim Lawrenz, Top Rookie Exhibitor, Anita Akins, Runner-Up Top Exhibitor, Donna Broadstreet, Bakers' Best Overall Champion, Marsha Romalia, and most of all the 2011 Spirit of the Fair Award winner, Geneva Dorris. Congratulations and thanks for all that everyone does to make our Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall one to be proud of from beginning to end.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the Extension Homemaker Club members who contributed in any way to the gorgeous Butterfly Quilt that I received during Ladies Day. I am thrilled by this most precious gift and was truly surprised and amazed that so many people were in on the secret for so many months. It is truly special and something I will treasure always.

A Short Fall Series of Walking Wednesdays is being planned for Aug. 31 to Oct. 5. Check the Extension website and watch for details after Aug. 24.

Visit our website at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic 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

Aug. 5-21 -- Indiana State Fair

Aug. 12 -- Junior Leader Completion forms Due to Extension Office

Aug. 16 -- Master Gardner Classes to start Fairgrounds 6-9 p.m.

Aug. 24 -- Putnam County Health Coalition meeting 2 p.m. at Extension Office

Aug. 31 -- First week of Fall Walking Wednesdays 5 p.m.

Sept. 2 -- 4-H My Record of Achievement Forms Due to the Extension Office

Sept. 7 -- Week 2 of FALL Walking Wednesdays 5 p.m.

Sept. 8 -- Extension Homemakers County Council meeting 7 p.m. at Extension Office

Sept. 12 -- Extension Homemakers Leader Lesson "Recess Time" 7 p.m. at Extension Office