4-H performing arts contest a hit at CMS

Monday, May 6, 2013
Brent Asher asks fellow club members in his Craft Cougars 4-H Club, "Are you ready for the fair?" during Friday evenings nine-county Area V 4-H Performing Arts competition at Cloverdale Middle School.

Seasoned 4-H'ers of the past may remember a program called Share the Fun that occurred during the spring when 4-H'ers would compete with skits, musical and non-musical curtain acts.

Today this program is called 4-H Performing Arts as the competition remains much the same as it was under its previous name. Putnam County had the honor of hosting this year's nine county Extension Area V event. A total of 16 acts from seven different counties competed.

More than 275 were in the audience as Putnam County was represented with a group act presented by eleven members of the Craft Cougars 4-H club from northern Putnam County. Their skit kicked off with club member Brent Asher asking a variety of characters who would be at the county fair, "Are you ready for the fair?" ATV 4-H members, animals and other characters provided humorous answers and the group did dances to songs like Vanilla Ice "Ice, Ice Baby" with adapted 4-H lyrics.

This was the first year in some time that a Putnam County act had participated in this competition where the winners go on to compete at 4-H Roundup at Purdue University in June or to perform at the Indiana State Fair.

Katrina Asher of the Crafty Cougars 4-H Club is to be commended for working these youth who competed in the event. Hopefully there will be more Putnam County in the competition at the future events.

Those who participate in local school talent shows could easily adapt their programs to the 4-H Performing Arts contest.

The competition was stiff and varied. There were tap dancers, ballet, solo's, fiddlers, pianists, and numerous skits. The judges Jeff Holland and Lori Miller had their work cut out for them and their assistance was greatly appreciated.

Also the Board and Trustees of Cloverdale Schools are greatly appreciated for letting Extension host this program in the Cloverdale Middle School. The Knoy Center and particularly Toni Tomilison and the students she organized to help were greatly appreciated!

The top three winners were Monroe, Clay and Parke counties this year.

If you are a 4-H'er or would like to join 4-H and be a part of this contest in the future please contact the Purdue Extension Putnam County office staff for more information.

Teachers are also encouraged to keep this contest in mind and refer students to this competition who are also in local school talent programs.

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 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

May 11 -- 4-H Wood Science/Craft Workshop, Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.-noon

May 11 -- 4-H Sheep and Goat Tagging/ Retinal Scanning, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m.

May 13 -- Ext. Homemaker Leader Lesson, 7 p.m. "Personal Safety"

May 15 -- Last possible day to sign up for 4-H Camp if space available

May 19 - Master Gardener Plant Swap -- Kroger parking lot. Public welcome

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