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4-H ATV Safety showcase at Putnam County Fair 2014
Now in its fourth year, the 4-H ATV Safety event aims to give kids a real-world terrain simulation in a controlled environment, receiving feedback from the execution of safe practices in a variety of conditions.
Dave Shrout, a judge of the event, has gone through ATV Safety certification from Purdue University; although he never went through a safety class like this when he was younger.
"I learned the hard way," Shrout mused about his time learning how to properly ride an ATV.
Working with younger kids seems to fit Shrout and it shows in watching him interact with the participants.
In fact, it's apparent watching all of the judges and parents at the event that they're all doing it for the kids, and easy smiles seem to go along with that.
"I really like working with the kids," Shrout said.
Sometimes the older kids want to start having a little more fun at the event, popping wheelies or sliding around corners, performing more advanced moves that the younger kids sometimes want to emulate.
"That's why we have to watch it," Shrout said while writing down scores on his notepad as the younger kids drove their ATVs across the "bumpy" station on the north end of the fairgrounds Saturday morning.
ATV Safety meets about 10 times per year and aims to keep kids safe while providing an opportunity to learn, have fun with their ATVs and to meet other kids from around the area.
For more photographs please visit the ATV Safety PHOTO GALLERY
