Menu
Putnam 4-H’ers fare well at 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 have 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, especially for non-animal projects.
Overall, Putnam County 4-H’ers were the recipients of 19 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. For comparative purposes, last year there were 39 with 27 merit ribbons the each of two prior years. 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 111 blue ribbons, up from last year’s 94, and 26 red ribbons compared to last year’s 34 red ribbons. There were at least 162 exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year’s ISF which is about a dozen less than last year.
Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-H’ers contributed at least 300 ISF exhibits and activities in 2017. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-H’ers at ISF has averaged 29 per year while the median was 28 for exhibit hall projects and activities. During the same period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-H’ers at ISF averaged 119 with a median of 112.
The 2017 highlights in the exhibit hall projects include sweepstakes winners Lillian Vittetow in Beekeeping and Seth Lawrenz in the Rabbit Poster projects. The sweepstakes winners are the top person in that project in the state. Many years Putnam has no sweepstakes winners so it is an honor to have two sweepstakes winners.
In the ISF Fashion Revue, this is an activity where project members in consumer clothing or sewing projects may participate. Philisha Sanders and Adriana Clifford were in the top 15 in their categories.
Additionally on the last day of the Indiana State Fair, Putnam 4-H Dog members had a strong showing with 18 youth participating where 16 of those youth actually placed. In some cases there are nearly 100 participants in a class where a youth may not place.
All 4-Hers are to be reminded that the due date for “My Record of Achievement” is Aug. 25 to be assured consideration for 2017 awards to be awarded at the Sunday, Nov. 5. The 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.
•••
Upcoming events
Aug. 23 -- Registration due for Women Walk Putnam County luncheon.
Aug. 24 -- Indiana Extension Homemakers Leader Lesson, Extension Office, 2 p.m.
Aug. 25 -- My Record of 4-H Achievement due.
Aug. 29 -- Women Walk Putnam County luncheon, Putnam County Hospital.
Sept. 4 -- Labor Day, office closed.