Exhibit for More than a Purple Ribbon

Sunday, July 13, 2014

With summer judging, county public speaking and demonstration contests occurring recently and tent raising at the fairgrounds last week, it is FAIR TIME. In fact this week project judging occurs for both 4-H and open class exhibits!

Occasionally a parent might approach Extension staff and be disappointed about the placing of a child's project. Fact is, any 4-H or open class project placing is only the view of a particular judge on a particular day at a particular time and setting. Every effort is made to be consistent with rules. In the beginning, it is good to ask oneself what are my goals with the 4-H or open class exhibit. Hopefully the goals were to learn and have fun! In the end, it is again important to review the goals to evaluate what was learned rather than focus on the final placing in competition.

Competition is a good thing. It is the principle in many attributes of this country's foundation and provides encouragement for each and every one of us to enhance performance. One must remember there is a balance between competition and competency that must be respected. At the same time, one must be competent to be competitive. Indiana's premiere and largest youth development program remains a responsible program due to parents and youth having a discussion about the roles of competition and competency in the 4-H program.

Discussion might include that having goals of striving to be grand champion or receiving a blue ribbon or to achieve a cash scholarship are positive attributes. From personal experience, the times of winning were not always about getting first place. Learning through challenging one's self through new projects is very important. Focusing on developing fellow 4-Hers and seeing other's personal growth is rewarding. Seeing 4-H programs grow due to individuals taking responsibility to serve as positive role models in the program and at competitions both locally and beyond makes it a privilege to be involved with the 4-H program.

Hopefully all 4-H families can work to remain focused on developing the next generation of young people who will ultimately serve as our future leaders! While competition at 4-H events is inherent, the education that comes with 4-H project work and attainment of personal goals is far more important than a "winning at all costs" attitude. Ultimately competency should take precedence over competition. With your assistance, it is certain that the young people involved in 4-H Youth Development projects and activities will learn that the process of learning is far more important than the 4-H project or exhibit itself.

Parents and volunteers can serve as positive role models through the following: conduct which exhibits a courteous and respectful manner, exhibit good sportsmanship, praise their own and other young individuals for what they have learned from their 4-H experience and accomplishments, and finally understand that the best exhibit possible is the individual 4-H member!

Check our website www.extension.purdue.edu/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 14 -- 4-H Cat Show

July 14 -- 4-H Public Fashion Revue, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

July 15 -- 4-H Project Judging, Fairgrounds, 4-7 p.m.

July 16 -- 4-H Project Judging, Fairgrounds, 4-7 p.m.

July 17 -- Foods 4-H Project Judging, Fairgrounds, 4-7 p.m.

July 18 -- Putnam County 4-H Fair Parade, 6:30 p.m. depart point

July 18-July 25 Putnam County Fair

July 27 -- Indiana State Fair 4-H projects entered, 3-7 p.m.

July 28 -- Indiana State Fair 4-H projects entered, 8 a.m.--5 p.m.

July 30 -- Indiana State Fair 4-H Food project entered, 9 a.m.--2 p.m.

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  • This article talks about learning is the focus of 4H but everyone knows that it's who you are and who your family is that gets the blue and purple ribbons. The few times an "outsider" gets the blue or purple ribbon this child is shown how the adults feel at auction. The child with family connections will sell their animal for a lot more money than the child with the blue or purple ribbon. This happens even when businesses make the purchase. One year the auctioneer had to practically beg the bidders to bid on a child's animal with the purple ribbon and the runner-up walked away with 10 times what the winning child received. If you are not a child with family connections, your parents and or grandparents were the purple winners, do not participate to win or you will be disapointed.

    -- Posted by Hazel on Tue, Jul 15, 2014, at 6:49 AM
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