Putnam 4-H'ers have great year at Indiana State Fair

Grace Merrell stands tall and proud with her rocket that earned her the sweepstakes award at the Indiana State Fair. The award signifies that the project was selected best in the state for that particular project.

Kudos to the efforts of all the Putnam County 4-H'ers participating in the Indiana State Fair. While the opportunity to learn while doing in the project is of foremost importance, the recognition of achievement is certainly an added bonus to being in the 4-H program.

Putnam 4-H'ers did particularly well at this year's state fair. For a complete run down of results, go to extension/purdue.edu/putnam and click on the link at the right under "Hot Topics" on the Purdue Extension Putnam County homepage.

A total of three 4-H'ers have earned Indiana State Fair trips to Washington, D.C. this fall. Approximately 44 trips are awarded to 4-H'ers from Indiana's 92 counties each year by the ISF.

Local 4-H'ers who will be attending include Justin Berry for his Turkey Call presentation for the Natural Resources Demonstration contest at ISF, Beth Ann Hansen for winning the state Entomology Contest earlier in the year and Nick Scott for his winnings in the Senior Ag Tractor Driving Contest at ISF.

For every project area, a sweepstakes winner is selected as the top overall project across all grade levels. Congratulations to Grace Merrell for being the sweepstakes winner in the aerospace project at the ISF. Also Miriah Huge was selected the overall winner in the intermediate level of Dog Showmanship.

What an honor to be chosen best in the state for these two ladies.

Overall with most results recorded, Putnam County 4-H'ers were the recipients of 28 merit ribbons which are given sparingly to those are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements, 163 blue ribbons, 61 red ribbons, and 33 white ribbons.

Alex Stoffregen was not only in the top 15 in the free choice Category of the state fashion revue but was selected as first alternate.

Altogether, Putnam County had a combined total of more than 375 entries representing 4-H at ISF in 2012.

All 4-H'ers are again to be reminded that the due date for "My Record of Achievement" was Aug. 24 to be assured consideration for 2012 awards to be awarded at the Sunday, Nov. 4, 4-H Member Awards and Volunteer Recognition Program which will occur at 2 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

The forms will still be accepted and most likely based on the number submitted will 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.

Call if you have questions or ask your 4-H leader who will be willing to help. The form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website.

Visit extension.pur-due.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 when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming events

Aug. 30 - Late Season Crop Workshop -- Beck Center West Lafayette

Sept. 3 -- Labor Day Holiday, Office Closed

Sept. 8 -- Junior Leader Completion Activity, J&A Bowling, 5-9 p.m.

Sept. 9-30 -- TSC Paper Clover Campaign