Prior to Saturday night at the Indiana State Fair turning tragic, it had become a very special night for 4-H exhibitors in the Supreme Showmanship contest and then the annual Sale of Champions.

August 13th will be a night fairgoers remember forever, and the memory for Tana Simmons of Tipton County will include being named the fair’s supreme showman, despite what she said was an uncertain performance in the hog segment, her specialty.

“Definitely a good night,” she said. “I must say I was very surprised. I wasn’t quite sure how my performance was for the swine tonight, or the cattle. I really probably felt the best about the lambs, which is shocking because that’s definitely not my specialty. But I was very surprised and very pleased with the outcome.”

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Tana told HAT the event was one of the most important competitions she has ever been a part of. “Not only is it the best of the best in the state, but from a more personal standpoint it’s something my brothers never got to participate in, let alone win. So that’s something I definitely take pride in.”

Capping off a great fair Brennen North from LaGrange County, owner of the Grand Champion Barrow was named reserve champion in the showmanship contest.

Later during the auction DJ Martin’s Grand Champion 4-H Steer brought the highest bid of the night when it sold for $28,100.

During the Sale of Champions HAT spoke with two 4-H’ers who are examples of young people with a variety of interests and experience. Andrea Shriner from Huntington County sold the Champion 4-H Meat Pen of Rabbits for $4,500.

“It feels really good and I’m really excited because the money is going to go for a European trip I’m taking next year with the Indiana Ambassadors of Music.”

James Champ of Cass County got $4,600 for the Grand Champion 4-H Meat Type Chickens. Chickens are just part of his 4-H resume which includes, “electricity. I’ve won champion every year and gone to state fair every year. I did fine arts this year. I painted a picture, and Junior Leaders.”

The Champion 4-H Suffolk Market Lamb set a record at $11,000. Ten year 4-H’er Blake Buckthal of Knox County was surprised by the total.

“My parents didn’t tell me anything. I had no clue what was going on, so it was really cool to go in there and I wasn’t expecting that at all. I really appreciate all the people from around home who gave for my lamb. I wasn’t expecting that at all and I really appreciate everything that people have done for me throughout my ten years of 4-H.”

The Champion 4-H Dairy Steer shown by Brittany Lotter of Adams County brought a record $20,800.

Fourteen year old Sam Smoot of Delaware County said this is the best year of his 5-year 4-H career. His Champion Chester Barrow sold for $4,600.

Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb exhibited by Jordan Parker from Noble County also set a record at $23,100.

HAT’s unofficial total for the 25 exhibits sold in the 41st annual sale is $224,550.