Putnam 4-H’ers fair well at Indiana State Fair

Monday, August 19, 2019
Addie Moore poses with her sweepstakes-winning Cat Poster at the Indiana State Fair.
Courtesy photo

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 have listed unofficial results for most projects. Search online using the keywords “Purdue Extension 4-H” and a link to view the ISF results for both animal and non-animal projects can be found as a green box. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur, especially for animal projects.

Overall, Putnam County 4-H’ers were the recipients of 28 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those who are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. For comparative purposes, last year there were 44 with 19 merit ribbons the previous year. 2013 was an extraordinary year and similar to 2018 when 45 merit or honor ribbons were awarded to Putnam County 4-H’ers.

This year there were 144 blue ribbons compared to last year’s 154 blue ribbons awarded, and 30 red ribbons compared to last year’s 28 red ribbons awarded. There were 179 Putnam exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year’s Indiana State Fair, which is up just one over last year. Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-H’ers contributed at least 300 ISF exhibits and activities in 2019.

Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-H’ers at the State Fair have 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 the fair averaged 149 with a median of 139.

The 2019 highlights in the exhibit hall projects include sweepstakes winner Addie Moore in Cat Poster. The sweepstakes winners are the top person in that project in the state. Many counties go for years without sweepstakes winners, and Putnam has had sweepstakes winners for three consecutive years with two sweepstakes winners in both 2017 and 2018. With 92 counties, and with 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 may participate. Gayle Baugh was first runner-up. Another state fair activity with county success was in the rabbit illustrated talk, where Hailee Young received reserve champion.

In animal projects, several events will continue through the weekend. Putnam 4-H sheep members did well in showmanship, for example, where seven youth were champion or reserve in showmanship. Look for more to come related to animal project successes.

All 4-H’ers are to be reminded that the due date for “My Record of Achievement” is Sept. 6 to be assured consideration for 2019 awards to be given at the 4-H Member Awards and Volunteer Recognition Program on Sunday, Nov. 3. The ceremony will take place at 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 with any questions, or ask a 4-H leader who will be willing to help. This form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website in an editable format, but contact the office if it can’t be found.

Visit the homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam, or 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 on arrival and to RSVP for programs.

While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming events:

Aug. 20 – Sweet on Bees webinar, noon, register at https://tinyurl.com/y83ma4k4

Aug. 20 – State Fair projects available for pickup

Aug. 20 – Women Walk Putnam County, 9 a.m., Robe-Ann Park

Aug. 27 – Women Walk Putnam County, 9 a.m., DePauw Nature Park

Sept. 2 – Extension Office closed for Labor Day holiday

Sept. 6 – My Record of Achievement due

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  • I love 4-H. I was in it for 10 years and it is one of my fondest memories. I still have a scrapbook with my ribbons in it. All parents should encourage their kids to join.

    -- Posted by Queen53 on Tue, Aug 20, 2019, at 4:27 PM
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