Plans underway for 4-H fair
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Changes made to the 2006 Ripley County 4-H Fair set for July 22-29 at the Osgood Fairgrounds, include no pre-registration for the Baby Contest on Monday night and no parade throughout the town on Sunday. Some firsts will be an Antique Tractor Pull on Saturday, July 22, and fairgoers will be able to see animals at the fair on Sunday this year. Also, there will be a Parade of Champions on Saturday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the free stage.

The Miss Ripley County 2006 Queen and her court have already been chosen - another first. This year the queen is Amanda Harmeyer, who along with her court, will preside over a number of activities at this year’s fair. Ashley Carpenter is Miss Congeniality, fourth runner-up is Daniele Wiedeman, third runner-up is Alicia Batta, second runner-up is Elizabeth Record and first runner-up is Kaitlin Hughes. These decisions were made July 8, at the “Wish Upon A Star” pageant held at the Hopewell Baptist Church activity center.

Extension Educator LouAnn Menchhofer noted that the landscape of the fairgrounds has changed and is “better than ever.” She noted that each year improvements have been made which continually makes the grounds more attractive.

All 4-H exhibits, mini 4-H exhibits, banners and scrapbooks will be entered on Saturday, July 22, beginning at 9:00 a.m. That evening an Antique Tractor Pull, sponsored by the Osgood Lions Club, will be held at the grandstand beginning at 4:00 p.m. Kevin Menchhofer can be contacted for more information at 812-756-0158.

Sunday, for the first time, animals will be on exhibit. “This was something people have requested in the past,” noted Menchhofer, who said it is an added bonus for fairgoers. Livestock entries will be checked in between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The popular Vesper Service will be held from 5-6 p.m. in the livestock arena with special guests in concert, 4-Ever His beginning at 4:30 p.m. The official grand opening of the fair will be on the free stage at 6:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony by 4-H corporation members. The Ripley County Queen and her court will be presented and the 4-H Junior Leader King and Queen will be crowned. Parking will be free on Sunday, compliments of Southeastern Indiana REMC. There will also be a hot air balloon glow at dark, a Touchstone Energy spectacular.
On Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, fairgoers can purchase a pass for discount rides for only $15.00 each. This gives those riding rides the opportunity to ride for the entire evening for one low price.

The Baby Contest will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, with participants asked to be at the show arena by 4:30 p.m. There is no pre-registration this year. Simply arrive at the show arena, fill out a form, get a number and you are registered for the event. The contest is limited to residents of Ripley County with the ages being figured from July 1, 2006. Categories include from birth to 24 months, both boys and girls. Children should be dressed in a white or printed t-shirt or one-piece t-shirt. (shoes and socks permitted). Each entry is $2.00 and includes an adult to present on stage. Entry into the show arena is $3.00 per adult.

The National Pedal Pullers & Racers event will be held at the free stage on Tuesday, July 25, at 5:30 p.m. Anyone can participate for the entry fee of $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Quad and Cycle Flat Drags will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Other highlights of the fair include the Demolition Derby on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; on Thursday, July 27, the Battle of the Bands will be held at the free stage at 6:00 p.m.; Quad & Cycle Flat Drags at 7:30 p.m.; Truck Drags on Friday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Livestock auction at 3:00 p.m.; Truck Pull at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. (Watch for complete listing of fair events in The Versailles Republican, coming out on July 20.)

The Ripley County 4-H Fair grows each year and offers new events. Changes have been made to enhance the event and make it a more enjoyable experience for those participating.