Diane Raver
Ripley County 4-H fair-goers will have a variety of activities in which to participate during the 2008 fair July 20-26.
“We have lots of new things for people to see,” reports LouAnn Menchhofer, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service extension educator for Ripley County. “If they (the public) haven’t visited in a while, they should make the effort to come this year. There are new landscaping, trees and banners to enhance the fairground.
“We have improvements in the poultry, sheep and goat barns. There is new concrete flooring to make it safer for people and animals, as well as assisting us in the maintenance of the area. We have more animals this year than ever before. Our walking projects have really expanded.
Menchhofer points out, “We also have several new 4-H projects.
“We have a new area for families and children to go through that is adjacent to the 4-H exhibit halls …. that will showcase kid-friendly things and give parents resources within Ripley County. There will be health and wellness, nutrition, recycling, environmental and fun facts about animals and their care.
“We will also have some games and activities, such as a scavenger hunt for special 4-H items for the kids to find and win a prize,” she adds.
Other traditional activities are very popular. “The baby show is always a hit. We usually have about 200 babies.” The pedal tractor pull and auction draw big crowds, she reveals.
“The kickoff on Sunday is also an important time for people to come for the crowning of the 4-H king and queen.” Junior Leaders vote for the royals, Menchhofer explains. In order to receive this honor, “they must attend a set number of Junior Leader meetings and be an active member of the club.”
This group is “designed to give kids an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with others and, of course, have opportunities to be in a leadership position. They do community service projects as well as help others.
“The Ripley County Fair is an excellent opportunity to meet friends and family and see many exhibits that showcase the talents and abilities” of community members. The 540 4-H and 103 Mini 4-H members “have their projects showcased in the exhibit halls and livestock areas.
“Open Class, which is sponsored by the Ripley County Extension Homemakers, is open to all residents and professionals who wish to showcase their talent …. We also have an excellent group of commercial building exhibits for people to check out.”
Many food choices are available. “There will be the ever popular pork burgers, funnel cakes, elephant ears, corn dogs – all the usual things will be there in the midway …. The St. Nicholas Church group, Lions Club and the Junior Leader food stand will have specials throughout the fair …. All of our vendors are nonprofit groups that offer a variety of specialties, so come hungry and support your favorites,” she stresses.
In addition to Menchhofer, a large group of CES office staff, volunteer board members and leaders and 4-H’ers themselves work for months to organize an event of this magnitude.
The Ripley County 4-H Corp. is led by President Robert Vestal, Vice President Rob Kraushar, Secretary Chelsea Dwenger and Treasurer Randy Bauman. Other board members are Kevin Kuntz, Jeff Meinders, Ralph Meyers, Monica Hansen, Lowell Somers, Charles Baylor, Shele Wiedeman, Bryan Franklin, Steve Pitts, Brandy Meyer, Steve Franklin and Nicole Cain.
Youth Advisory Board members Elliot Bergman, Nichole Brown, Hannah Combs, Nicholas Combs, Samantha Hansen, Olivia Gunter, Christina Hauser, Jimmy Hartman, Kendall Hosmer, Meagan Hughes, Jenna Hughes, Angela Luers, Brittany Luers, Sara Loges, Jacqlyn Menchhofer, Meghan May, Daniel Rohrig, Dustin Osborne, Emily Schmaltz, Andrea Smith, Courtney Smith and Levi Speer serve as advisers and assist the educator with the program.
Menchhofer is looking forward to “being able to see the people who visit. Every year, I get to catch up with past 4-H members and their families, as well as those who are currently enrolled. It is great to see friends and meet new ones throughout the week.
“It is rewarding to work with so many talented 4-H members, extension homemakers and board members …. It takes many people to make it work, and we have an exceptional fair for the size county that we have. I am always amazed at the exhibits we have.”
Diane Raver can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 114; or diane.raver@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com. To comment on stories, visit batesvilleheraldtribune.com
