Efforts of many yield Adult Open Class success

To the Editor:

Putnam County Fair. Three little words that mean so much to so many people. The 2014 fair has come to an end. In our little corner of the fair, Adult Open Class, we have many people to thank for such a successful and fun fair.

Let us start by thanking all of the extension club members who worked to make it all come together. At the top of that list is the Allspices and Club 16 Extension Clubs who put on a wonderful Family Fun Day program. Everyone who came to our exhibit hall, all week long, was invited to relax by the family porch setting on the stage. Our county president, Rita Reffett, put together a float for the parade and came almost every day with a smile and a willing heart. "Tell me what I can do to help." What a tremendous help and reassurance that was to know that she had our back.

The department chairpersons were awesome again this year. A great big thanks to Ami Pennington, Sharon Curtis, Ella Marie Torr, Sandra Glass, Terri Beasley, Sandy Rissler, Pam Richards, Marsha Romalia, Jennifer Romalia, Sue Ryland, Kim Lawrenz, Meegan Ebacher, Claire Winings, Barb Lawhorn and Kristie Spear. We are so fortunate to have such a capable and dependable group of people.

Our highly dedicated and capable Adult Open Class staff and steering committee is comprised of Donna Tippin, Dorinda Emberton, Kim Lawrenz, Meegan Ebacher, Jennifer Cannon and myself (Shelly Tahtinen). These ladies met several times this year to plan and implement the programs, discuss and update rules, forms and scheduling. Great job, leaders. Really great job.

The muscles behind the scenes belong to Gary Tahtinen, Jim Emberton, Joe Baumann, Mike Black, Jerry Glass and the 4-H Archery Club. We are so grateful for you.

There are also a group of special folks within and around our community who made this year a fun and exciting fair. Virgina Servies, retired extension educator from Montgomery County, was the special judge for our Monday night open judging. This year's category was Food Preservation. The participants and audience were treated to her excellent advice and went away more educated than when they arrived. Over the years, Ms. Servies has been willing to do whatever we ask of her. And, she always does it with dignity and attention to detail.

Tuesday night found us being entertained by local folk music group The Fret Set. We thought it would be a nice event but even we were surprised at the perfect fit that it was to have them with us. It was not the intended outcome to replenish us and kick start our second wind. But after a week of setting up and working to prepare the building for our exhibitors and visitors, it was a great addition to our week. What a swell surprise to plan a program for the public that also did so much to soothe our tired bodies and calm our wired minds. Fret Set ... you were truly a ray of sunshine. Thank you.

Gold Master Gardener Colletta Kosiba spoke on container gardens during the morning program of Family Fun Day. In the afternoon, Mitch Myers from Greencastle's own Myers' Market and his family came in. Mitch talked about meat cuts and barbecue ideas. He also brought samples ... yum.

At the conclusion of Family Fun Day, we honored our very own Department Chairperson, Pam Richards, with the Spirit of the Fair Award. This award is given each year, by the Putnam County Extension Club County Council. Pam has diligently served under three different superintendents. Marilyn Grove and Geneva Dorris, past superintendents, were on hand to present the award. Three great ladies.

Our purse auction was a blast. As usual. What more can we say? If you have been to it, you know you don't ever want to miss it. If you haven't been to it, what are you waiting for? It is the best fundraiser ever.

Putnam County bakers did not disappoint. Peach was the flavor in this year's Baker's Best Contest. Peach pie, peach cake, peach bread, peach cookies ... get the picture?

We are excited to say we had a new champion this year. Melanie Mangrum was crowned Baker's Best Champion 2014 for her entry, "Summer Peach Cake." Reserve Champion was Barb Lawhorn for her entry, "Peach Braid." The Best First-Timer was Becki Arnold for her entry, "Peach Cobbler Coffee Cake." For the second year running the Baker's Best Contest was sponsored by the Jack and Shirley Dalton Community Foundation Fund. Thank you again.

Congratulations and thanks to our Top Exhibitor Ella Marie Torr, Runner-Up Top Exhibitor Becky Marksberry and Top First-Time Exhibitor (rookie) Pat Johnson. Overall Building People's Choice Award went to Anita Akins for her felted entry "Bigfoot Reunion."

Extension Specialty Quilt Clubs One Stitch at a Time and Sew Many Stitchers sponsored a special People's Choice award for the favorite quilt entry. The contest was held in honor of local quilter and member of both clubs Liz Taylor who passed away this last year. Selected for this award was Donna McGinley for her entry, "Cathedral Window." Donna tells us it was her very first quilt. Quite impressive.

The new HHS educator Jennifer Cannon was on hand to help where needed, observe when she could and get a feel for what a county fair is all about. We think she caught the bug.

We hope you all caught the bug, too. It won't be long before we start planning all over again for next year. We look forward to seeing you there -- at the 2015 Putnam County Fair.

Shelly Tahtinen

Adult Open Class

Superintendent

2014 Putnam County Fair