Letter to the Editor

Many deserving of thanks for another great fair

Friday, August 2, 2013

To the Editor:

I'd like to take one final opportunity to say thanks to all of the people who help to make our Putnam County 4-H Fair and particularly the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall the special event that it is.

First of all thanks to the Putnam County Fair Board for not only the hundreds of hours they give during the month of July but also for the time they give throughout the year planning and preparing for what is probably the largest community event of the year.

A special thanks to Steve Greeson who did an excellent job as president.

Though I haven't had the opportunity to visit too many other county fairs recently (since the majority are going on around the same time as ours), I hear from many who visit our fair, and state "the Putnam County Fair and our Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall are among the best."

I believe this is true and that it is only possible due to the contributions of everyone who works and contributes to make it so successful.

Thanks to Raymond McCloud (2013 Putnam County "King for a Day") for more than three decades of service and to the many others who help prepare the fairgrounds in advance and direct traffic and parking throughout the week.

Thanks to Kim Lawrenz, this year's recipient of the Adult Open Class Spirit of the Fair Award, and to the many other volunteers who make it possible to enter, judge, display, release and clean up after a week's worth of activities.

Special thanks to Adult Open Class Superintendent Shelly Tahtinen, the Policy Committee (Donna Tippin, Dorinda Emberton and Meegan Ebacher) along with all of the department chairs and helpers.

Thanks to Jeff Rich and all of the participants and helpers who make events like the Bakers' Best Contest, Purse Auction and Ladies Day program both successful and fun.

Thanks to all of the members of Putnam County Extension Homemakers and others who volunteer in the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall from beginning to end. Thanks also for the many surprises and memories this year and in years past.

Thanks to the participants of all of the events as well as the sponsors of awards and supporters of the Bakers Best and annual Purse Auction, none of these events would work without you all. Special thanks to the Jack and Shirley Dalton Fund for taking over the sponsorship of the Bakers' Best Contest.

Thanks to the staff of the Banner Graphic for all of the efforts you put in to cover all of the events and for sharing the results.

May we continue to have a fair to be proud of and one that continues to provide opportunities for our 4-H youth as well as people of all ages to contribute to and take part in this wonderful community tradition.

Jackie Baumann

Purdue Extension Educator

Putnam County