From cookies to cattle, the judges at this week’s fair are tasked with picking the best out of hundreds of projects each year.
About 80 judges were recruited from across the state to judge about 5,000 projects in 72 different categories at the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair. Judges include former 4-H’ers, volunteers or people who have knowledge in a specific topic.
Kelsie Risk-Reyes, of Spencer, was a former 10-year 4-H’er and sees becoming a judge as a way to give back to the 4-H community.
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“This is also a way of investing in the lives of the youth,” Risk-Reyes said. “The skills they take away from these projects will later help them with life.”
Judges don’t necessarily have to have a background in 4-H to judge.
Debbie Beigh, a newspaper sports photographer from Zionsville, was asked to judge the photography projects.
“I also was a teacher for 46 years, so this is an extension of that,” Beigh said.
Each category has different guidelines and subjects for judging. Judges also have their own ways of evaluating the projects, Beigh said.
Pam Robinson, who lives in Shelby County, has judged every category except livestock.
“You look for different things in sewing than you would in scrapbooking or posters,” she said. “It just needs to be a nice representation of what that particular project requires.”
Risk-Reyes judges all the projects she used to participate in, including photography and food. One of the many aspects she looks for when judging food is the quality of the cooking, she said.
“You can really tell the difference if someone really made this or if they went to a store,” Risk-Reyes said.
Judging isn’t just about picking a winner. The judges also help kids build and improve their skills.
Debbie Winchester, a photographer from Carmel, uses her judging as a teaching tool.
“If a 4-H’er can tell me about the photo and show enthusiasm and tell me why they chose to do something a certain way, I take that into account,” Winchester said.
“I use it as a teaching moment and ask, ‘How can I help you make this stronger?’”
Robinson enjoys working with the kids in different counties and helping them grow through the program.
“I think the children need good, positive constructive comments to help them grow in their skills,” Robinson said. “We want this program to continue on, so we must do the best that we can do.”
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The Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair schedule.
Monday, July 16:
7 a.m. — 4-H beef and swine weigh-in.
8 a.m. — 4-H Goat Showmanship followed by Dairy Show, Pygmy Show, Specialty Show, Commercial Show.
9 a.m. — Lamb grooming contest, Indoor Arena, north end.
10 a.m. — Read, Touch, Taste for children ages 4-7, Heritage Hall.
11 a.m. — Sheep Breeding Showmanship (Junior, Intermediate, Senior).
11:30 a.m. — 4-H and open class exhibits open to the public.
1:30 p.m. — 4-H Market Lamb Show, Indoor Arena, north end.
5 to 8 p.m. — Cooking demonstrations, Farm Bureau Building.
5 p.m. — 4-H Horse and Pony English Division Halter and Performance, Horse Arena.
5 p.m. — Midway Opens
6 to 11 p.m. — Poor Jack Amusements Family Night, Unlimited Ride Bracelet $22.
6 p.m. — Market Lamb Showmanship, Grand Champion Born and Raised Ewe and Grand Champion Market Lamb.
6:30 to 10 p.m. — Gospel music in Christian Music Tent, north of Scott Hall.
7 p.m. — 4-H Market Steer Show
Farm stock and antique tractor pull, Grandstands.
Blue River Band concert, behind Farm Bureau Building.
Horseshoe pitching, west of fair office.
Cash drawing at the Day Sponsor Booth, entrance to Herring Hall.
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Here is a look at projects at this year’s fair:
5,000 4-H projects
72 categories
80 judges
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