Opinion

Thanks!

Monday, August 3, 2009

The 2009 Putnam County Fair will certainly go down as one of the coolest in recent memory! One could not ask for better weather. Likewise the event seemed to occur without any major glitches.

On behalf of Putnam County's 900 plus 4-Her's and the entire 4-H program, a special thank you is in order to the community and the Putnam County Fairboard. The Putnam County Fairboard hosts the 4-H portion of the county fair, welcoming 4-H members as guests, the opportunity to exhibit and show accomplishments for the year.

The parade kicking off the fair is very special and was just packed with community support. Not many communities would close down a major thoroughfare on a Friday evening for a parade. Seeing folks rise as the opening procession of horses and riders carry the American, State of Indiana and 4-H flags on the parade route made one feel proud to be a resident of Putnam County and involved with this community.

Most don't realize how important volunteers are to the 4-H program and the Putnam County Fair. The 4-H program would stop in its tracks if the nearly 100 individuals who volunteer as 4-H club leaders, 4-H project superintendents, and policy and resource groups like the 4-H Council and county Extension Board were to cease volunteering. Individuals on the Fairboard are volunteers who devote a week or more of vacation to oversee the event and make the fair happen. Whenever there was a need during judging week or fair week, there always seemed to be someone available to help out or assist. Volunteers helped to count ribbons, set-up for judging, assemble results and even provide financial support during the fair.

Hopefully all 4-Her's take time to thank those volunteers who helped you or your family during your 4-H career. Also get involved if you are not already. The 4-H program is always in need individuals to help lead or organize events. One example is to have more involvement with the bicycle safety project and to have enough youth participate to organize a bicycle rodeo event.

Remember to 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

August 4: National Night Out, Robe Ann Park, 6-9 pm

August 7-23: Indiana State Fair

Aug. 10: Extension Homemaker lesson "Taste of Italy", Extension Office, 7 pm

August 18: Master Gardener Classes Begin, Greencastle, 6 pm

August 26-27: Drainage 101, Indy

September 15: Energy Conservation Program, Rockville, 6 pm