Reuse-Remake-Restyle-Recycle-Renew

'R to the 5th' is fair theme in adult open class

The 2010 Putnam County Fair is less than two weeks away now, so most of the PLAN-ing is done and it is time for the DO-ing.

Fair Books and fair passes are available at the Extension Office and local banks.

While many people enjoy going out for a night of socializing and indulging in fair food, like most things in life the fair is more fun and exciting when you go to the extra effort of participating rather than just observing or being a spectator. The good news is that it isn't too late to get involved and take part in a variety of contests and activities at this year's county fair.

While the deadline for enrollment and participation in most 4-H projects has already passed it's not too late to enter competitions in the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall or to participate in horticulture activities in Harris Hall, the Pretty Baby Contest or several other events.

For full information, rules and entry times, call or stop in the Extension Office.

As always the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall will be a busy and interesting place to visit throughout the fair. The theme for this year's Family Fun Day (a.k.a. Ladies' Day) is "Reuse-Remake-Restyle-Recycle-Renew" or R to the 5th.

The clubs in charge of the programs for Ladies' Day on Wednesday, July 28 (Country Bak'n Bunch and the Merry J's Extension Homemakers Clubs) have planned an interesting program, which will include a "Re-styl'n Style Show" in addition to the usual Homemakers Style Show in the morning. Persons interested in participating in the "Re-Styl'n Style Show" should bring their re-styled items (craft or clothing) and sign up between 9:30 and 10 a.m. the morning of the show.

No pre-registration is necessary.

Wednesday's Ladies' Day program will conclude with the fifth annual Purse Auction which is a FUN fund raiser that benefits the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall and the Extension Homemaker Clubs that sponsor it each year.

This year's Just for Fun Contest is "Trash to Treasure," to go along with the Recycling theme this year.

Those who wish to participate in this contest should bring their entry to the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, July 20 between 4 and 7 p.m., the same time as all Non-food entries are entered. Entries in the Just for Fun Contest can be anything that is now a useful or decorative item that was made from something that otherwise would have been thrown away.

Remember this contest is just for fun, so it doesn't matter if you made it, bought it, or received it as a gift. The only limitation is that the item cannot be more than 30 inches in any directions and only one entry per person. The Just for Fun Contest is open to ALL.

In the past Monday evening in the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall has been reserved for Open Judging of one of the exhibit categories. This year, however, the Open Judging has been moved to Tuesday Night.

The exhibit category featured for Open Judging this year is Photography II, which consists of eleven categories of photographs that are over 5 x 7 inches and up to 8 x 10 inches. The judging will begin at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in seeing how the judging process works and learning more about what a photography judge is looking for, is welcome to attend.

Monday night's program in the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall will feature Putnam County Hospital's registered dietitians, Sharon Black and Jamie Downen who will be available to answer your individual nutrition questions as well as to share information about quick and easy ways to use the bounty of Indiana's local produce.

It's also not too late to consider entering the 2010 Bakers' Best Contest. The flavor for this year's contest is CITRUS. Entry forms are available at the Greencastle Kroger Store, which is the sponsor for the contest again this year.

So check your favorite recipes or go on-line to find a great pie, cake, cookie or bread recipe that includes any variety of CITRUS; bake it up and join the fun of competing in this year's contest.

Entries for the Bakers' Best Contest should be brought to the Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall between 9 and 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 29. The entries are Open Judged starting at 12:30 p.m. and the winners are announced and baked goods auctioned starting at 7:00 p.m. the same evening.

Bakers' Best Cookbooks with winning recipes from over ten previous years of contests are available at the Extension Office and will be available at the Exhibit Hall throughout the fair.

Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall Fair Schedule:

July 20- enter all non-food exhibits including Just for Fun Contest (4-7 p.m.)

July 24- enter food preservation and culinary exhibits (9-11 a.m.)

July 26- "Fast, Fresh and Fabulous" presentation by S. Black and J. Downen

July 27- Open Judging of Photo II exhibits (6:30 p.m.)

July 28- Family Fun Day begins at 10:00 a.m.

July 29- Bakers' Best Contest, Judging and Auction

July 30- Awards presentation and Champion and Res. Champ. Photos taken

July 31- All exhibits to be picked up between 9-11 a.m.