For 4-H members, county fair week is the best week of the year.
But in 2020, with the actual Bartholomew County Fair canceled and moving to a virtual format, 4-Hers are preparing to showcase their hard work in a virtual format, rather than in the familiar surroundings of the fairgrounds and its exhibit buildings and barns.
“This is definitely something we will always remember, that’s for sure,” said 10-year 4-H member and two-time reigning Supreme Showmanship winner Allana Whiteside.
Although organizers are doing what they can, there’s no chance that Whiteside, the 18-year-old daughter of Benjamin and Jennifer Whiteside, can earn a similar honor this year as there is no showmanship competition planned for the virtual fair.
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When the 4-H board of directors made their decision to cancel the traditional fair, local officials emphasized the cancellation was due to demands from Purdue University, which sponsors county extension services that organize 4-H programs in Indiana.
“With requirements to enforce social distancing, full personal protective equipment including face coverings, temperature checks, and comprehensive tracking of everyone who is on the fairgrounds, the fair board felt that it would be impossible to comply with requirements and ensure safety of those in attendance,” the official announcement read after it was posted on the fair’s website.
For 687 kids active in local 4-H clubs, the 2020 Virtual 4-H Fair is still on, Bartholomew County Purdue Extension Cooperative director Elisabeth Smith said.
Between now and July 2, photographs or digital videos of many categories of exhibits can be uploaded to bcdigitalshowcase.com, Smith said.
Some categories work better in digital form than others. For example, the use of portable document formats (PDFs) in a genealogy exhibit is more than sufficient for judges, Smith said. Few problems are also expected from uploaded photos and recipes in food competitions, she said.
Some entries can also be submitted with posters and Powerpoint presentations, depending on the category, according to notices sent out to 4-H families.
“But for judging livestock and animals, I think it’s definitely going to be a challenge,” Smith said.
Determining winners
For livestock, a video will be taken of each livestock entry that provides an angle of the animal from all four sides, with each image lasting about five seconds, Smith said. The video should also show the exhibitor walking the animal, getting it into position and making it stand, which should make the entire presentation no longer than 90 seconds, she said.
Instructions regarding videos of rabbits, horses and ponies have also been sent to families. Other exhibits requiring a video upload include fashion reviews, tractor exhibitors, verbal communications and performing arts, Smith said.
“We’ve tried to lay out the guidelines, so at least judges will have somewhat of an equal comparison,” the extension director said. “But we are as deep in uncharted territory as we can get. It’s not going to be 100% smooth sailing.”
Fair results will be announced during the last week of July, and a presentation called the “2020 Bartholomew County 4-H Virtual Celebration” will be available for online viewing from July 27 — July 31. In addition, the fair board and 4-H leaders are working to stage some type of a virtual livestock auction, Whiteside said.
After showing sheep, pigs, goats and lambs over the last 10 years, the 18-year-old Whiteside says videos and photos cannot do an animal justice because judges can’t feel for muscle tone or make other in-depth determinations used in conventional judging.
“So I think they will be judged mainly on looks, which really isn’t necessarily what the project itself is about,” the recent Columbus East High School graduate said. “But I think it will work for this year.”
A group of 4-H parents are attempting to organize their own open livestock show for July 13-16, Whiteside said. While neither the fair, 4-H or Purdue Extension can be officially involved, the parents want to rent the livestock barn next to the 4-H Pavilion for the private event, she said.
“I know all the 10-year members are really upset that they didn’t get their final ‘go’ at the fair,” Whiteside said. But with the combination of the private open show and the virtual fair, our community is doing the best they can with the circumstances they have been given.”
Other considerations
Another 10-year 4-H member, Rebecca Walker, says a virtual fair eliminates her favorite field of competition: debate.
The daughter of Greg and Allison Walker, who also competes in food projects, said she’ll miss socializing with friends during her final year in 4-H, and that the current circumstances are not how she expected to end her time with the organization.
“But I’m not crushed or anything,” Walker said. “The staff and volunteers have put in a whole lot of work into this virtual fair, so 4-H members should appreciate what opportunities they’ve been given.”
Another club member thankful for what’s still available this year is 2019 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Princess Saylor Lancaster.
For the past seven years, the daughter of Doug and Laura Lancaster has competed in categories ranging from animals and blacksmithing to cake decorating and science projects.
“In some ways, a virtual fair is going to be harder, and it’s not going to be as much fun without seeing friends or eating the food,” the 16-year-old said. “But it’s a good time to try new things and projects from the comfort of your home. There are ways to make it fun.”
Although home-schooled like Walker, Lancaster says she was saddened when her track-and-field team was forced to cancel its season this spring. It was even harder on her when she learned the traditional fair was canceled, she said.
“But we will still get to do all the projects, learn the best we can, and make the most out of what we are given,” she said.
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Bartholomew County 4H organizers have begun outlining some details to parents and club members regarding the virtual 4-H competitions.
Between now and July 2, certain types of entries that can be represented by photographs or digital video may be uploaded at bcdigitalshowcase.com. Depending on the category, entries can also be submitted via pictures, posters and Powerpoints.
According to emails sent out to 4-H families, fair results will be announced during the last week of July. Plans are also underway to hold a virtual livestock action.
Since the COVID-19 crisis is unique to our community, several aspects of the virtual fair are still being worked out at this time, fair officials said. Because all of these clubs are operating in uncharted territories, some mistakes will happen, they cautioned. Parents and 4-Hers are urged to be patient and understanding.
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