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 static projects. Go to https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/index.html on the State 4-H website and then select “projects” on the white menu bar, then navigate to the bottom of the list that pops up to “2023 State Fair Results” to view the ISF results for both animal and non-animal projects. Updates according to ISF officials will continue to occur, especially for animal projects.

As of August 10, Putnam County 4-Hers were the recipients of 39 merit or honor ribbons, which are given sparingly to those who are among the best and go beyond the basic exhibit requirements. For comparative purposes, last year there were 36 merit or honor awards.

This year there were 146 blue ribbons compared to last year’s 148 blue ribbons awarded, and 23 red ribbons compared to last year’s 27 red ribbons awarded. There were 170 Putnam exhibit hall projects or activities entered at this year’s ISF compared to 179 last year. Adding in livestock exhibition, Putnam 4-Hers contributed more than 300 ISF exhibits and activities in 2023. Since 2009, merit ribbons awarded to Putnam 4-Hers at ISF has averaged 32 per year while the median was 30 for exhibit hall projects and activities. During the same period, blue ribbons earned by Putnam 4-Her’s at ISF averaged 127 with a median of 129.

The 2023 highlights in the exhibit hall projects include sweepstakes winners Adelynn Moore in Dog Poster and Elise Kendall with her Fine Arts exhibit. The sweepstakes winners are the top person in that project in the state. Many counties go for years without sweepstakes winners. Putnam County has had ten sweepstakes winners during the last ten years with there being three instances of two winners in a given year during that time. With 92 counties, usually three age divisions, sweepstakes winners typically top a group of more than 200 individuals.

All 4-Hers are to be reminded that the due date for “My Record of Achievement” is September 1st to be assured consideration for 2023 awards. It will be determined later the format of the awards program that is typically the first Sunday in November. 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 contact office if you can’t find it.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. 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. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events

Aug. 18 – Summer PARP, 9:00-11:30am, Fairgrounds, register at https://tinyurl.com/AugPARP23

Aug 23-Sept 13 – Dining with Diabetes, Wednesday’s at 2pm, Roachdale Community Center, pre-registration required at asmith22@purdue.edu

Sept 1 – My Record of 4-H Achievement Due

Sept 1 – Junior Leader 4-H Manuals Due