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Putnam 4-H’ers fare well at Indiana State Fair
While the opportunity to learn while doing in 4-H project work is of foremost importance, the recognition of achievement through exhibition is certainly an added bonus to being in the 4-H program.
The Indiana State Fair (ISF) and the Purdue Extension state staff has listed unofficial results for most projects. Search online using the keywords “Purdue Extension 4-H” and you will find a link as a green box to the right side to view the ISF results for both animal and non-animal projects. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur, especially for animal projects.
Overall, Putnam County 4-H’ers were the recipients of 44 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. For comparative purposes, last year there were 19 with 39 merit ribbons the previous year. The year 2013 was an extraordinary year and similar to 2018 when 45 merit or honor ribbons were awarded to Putnam 4-H’ers.
This year there were 154 blue ribbons compared to last year’s 130 blue ribbons awarded, and 26 red ribbons compared to last year’s 34 red ribbons awarded. There were 178 Putnam exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year’s ISF which is up 16 over last year. Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-H’ers contributed at least 300 ISF exhibits and activities in 2018. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to county 4-H’ers at ISF has averaged 31 per year while the median was 28 for exhibit hall projects and activities. During the same period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-H’ers at ISF averaged 138 with a median of 132.
The 2018 highlights in the exhibit hall projects include sweepstakes winners Cody Evans in Cat Poster and Seth Lawrenz in the Rabbit Poster projects.
Lawrenz has particularly been successful as this is the second year in a row for him to win this honor. The sweepstakes winners are the top person in that project in the state. Many years Putnam has no sweepstakes winners, so it is an honor to have two sweepstakes winners.
With 92 counties, usually three age divisions, sweepstakes winners have typically topped a group of more than 200 individuals.
The ISF Fashion Revue is an activity where project members in consumer clothing or sewing projects may participate. Gayle Baugh and Philisha Sanders were in the top 12 in their categories with Sanders also receiving second alternate.
For animal projects, Gavin Sinclair was awarded third overall 4-H barrow while Grace Fry was third overall beef showman in livestock exhibition. In Rabbit Illustrated Talk, Elizabeth Dobson was awarded reserve champion.
Additionally on the last day of the Indiana State Fair, Putnam 4-H Dog members had a strong showing with 13 youth participating where 10 of those youth actually placed. In some cases there are nearly 100 participants in a class where a youth may not place. Jayden Simpson placed second in intermediate Showmanship while Eliza Massing placed fourth in Beginner B Agility.
All 4-H’ers are to be reminded that the due date for “My Record of Achievement” is Sept. 7 to be assured consideration for 2018 awards to be awarded at the Sunday, Nov. 4 4-H Member Awards and Volunteer Recognition Program set for 2 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Forms received after the due date will still be accepted and may based on the number submitted and degree of lateness be processed in time for the awards program. Completion of “My Record of Achievement” is also required for those who will be applying for 4-H scholarships from both the state and county level. Please call if you have questions or ask your 4-H leader who will be willing to help. This form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website in an editable format and may also be found in the “Quick Links” area.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office at 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.
Upcoming events
Aug. 21 – Quick and Easy Meals to Take to the Field webinar, noon, RSVP at https://ag.purdue.edu/Extension/wia/Pages/webinars.aspx.
Aug. 22 -- Women Walk Putnam County kickoff luncheon, 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 22 -- Get Walk’ IN Program. Contact Extension Office to register.
Aug. 27 -- Beginning Guide to Grant Writing.
Aug. 27 -- Start of Purdue Master Gardener course.
Sept. 3 -- Labor Day, office closed.