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Putnam 4-H'ers fare well at 2016 Indiana State Fair
While the opportunity to learn while doing in 4-H project work is of foremost importance, the recognition of achievement through exhibition is certainly an added bonus to being in the 4-H program.
The Indiana State Fair (ISF) and the Purdue Extension state staff has listed unofficial results for most projects. Go to www.extension/purdue.edu/putnam and select "Quick Links" where one can find a link to select projects and see the ISF results for both animal and non-animal projects. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur.
Overall, Putnam County 4-H'ers were the recipients of 39 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those that are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements.
For comparative purposes, the past two years there were 27 merit or honor ribbons and the year 2013 was an extraordinary year when 45 merit or honor ribbons were awarded to Putnam County 4-H'ers. This year there were 94 blue ribbons down from last year's 129, and 34 red ribbons compared to last year's 26 red ribbons.
There were at least 173 exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year's ISF which is up at least 10 from last year. Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-H'ers contributed at least 300 ISF exhibits in 2016. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-H'ers at ISF has averaged 31 per year while the median was 28 for exhibit hall projects and activities. During the same time period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-H'ers at ISF averaged 120 with a median of 112.
The 2016 highlights in the exhibit hall projects include Gayle Baugh who won six of the 39 merit or honor ribbons with her craft, entomology, floriculture, genealogy, llama/alpaca poster and wildlife project exhibits. Additionally MacKenzie Stoltz won three of the merit or honor ribbons with her dog poster, floriculture and personality project exhibits.
In the ISF Fashion Revue, this is an activity where project members in consumer clothing or sewing projects may participate. Grace Harris was not only in the top 15 in the formal category but was also selected as the first alternate to the winner of that division. Michayla Sanders and Ashley Whitesell were also in the honor groups in their categories.
In the Rabbit Illustrated Talk, Seth Lawrenz was champion. Sarah Baker, Carl Elmore, Samantha Overbay and Keeli Pastore all earned honors in the Rabbit Ambassador competitions.
All 4-H'ers are to be reminded that the due date for "My Record of Achievement" is Aug. 26 to be assured consideration for 2016 awards to be awarded at the Sunday, Nov. 6, 4-H Member Awards and Volunteer Recognition Program which will occur at 2 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Forms received after the due date will still be accepted and may based on the number submitted and degree of lateness 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. Please call if you have questions or ask your 4-H leader who will be willing to help. This form is on the Purdue Extension-Putnam County website in an editable format and may also be found in the "Quick Links" area.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can 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. 22 -- Master Gardeners, 6-9 p.m., Purdue Extension Office.
Aug. 25 -- Ways to Prep for College and Job Interviews Webinar, 12-1 p.m., register at https://ag.purdue.edu/Extension/wia/Pages/webinars.aspx.
Aug. 26 -- My Record of Achievement forms due.
Sept.5 -- Labor Day, Extension and all county offices closed.
Sept. 8 -- Putnam County Fair Board annual meeting, 6 p.m., Fairgrounds.