Among the many changes occurring at the 2014 Indiana State Fair is the new 4-H Celebration Awards that replace the longstanding 4-H Spotlight Sale of Champions. This was the first event to be held in the newly constructed Youth Arena following its official dedication on Saturday. The $10 million facility located behind the Coliseum was designed specifically for livestock shows and was made necessary by the 2 year renovation of the Coliseum that is currently underway. Andre Lacy, chairman of the State Fair Commission, said the story behind the Youth Arena is an amazing one.
With the Coliseum closed, there was no place to hold livestock shows during the State Fair and no money in the budget to build one. Lacy said the State Fair then embarked on its first private fund raising endeavor to raise the $10 million to construct the state of the art Youth Arena. The facility, which holds two separate livestock rings and provides a modern, intimate setting for 4-H competitions and animal expositions, was build with private donations from companies and individuals. The Youth Arena’s stylish exterior includes tinted glass and Indiana limestone. Inside, it has an arena floor comparable to the Coliseum’s with easy access for people and livestock. While the facility has been in use during the State Fair, the official dedication took place on Saturday with Governor Pence and Lt. Governor Ellspermann participating.
Following the unveiling of the plaque that will be place on the front of the building, the Celebration Awards took place. Here 25 awards were presented to 4-H exhibitors in recognition of their championship achievements at the 2013 State Fair. State Fair Board President Steve Simmerman explained that the livestock auction had been losing financial support for several years, and it was becoming more difficult for families to raise funds locally. This new system rewards each winner with funds provide solely by the Indiana State Fair. While some parents attending the program missed the tradition of the auction in the Coliseum, they admitted this system was much easier and less stressful on the families involved. The financial award given to each exhibitor was determined by a formula that involved their champion status, market value, and Celebration Award.
Governor Pence participated in the presentation which was sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Simmerman told HAT that next year the Celebration Awards would return to the newly renovated Coliseum with video screens, spotlights, music, and a production worthy of the hard work and achievements of the 4-H youth. Immediately following the awards, the Supreme Showmanship competition was held.
2013 Indiana State Fair
Celebration Awards
Presented By Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
Champion 4-H Oxford Market Lamb
Collin Tennant, 15 of Wabash County
Champion 4-H Dorset Market Lamb
Kyle Garringer, 18 of Jay County
Champion 4-H Shropshire Lamb
Kyra Schinbeckler, 11 of Whitley County
Reserve Champion 4-H Black Faced Crossbred Market Lamb
Jordan Stillwell, 17 of Clinton County
Champion 4-H Hampshire Market Lamb
Samantha Raute, 18 of Hamilton County
Grand Champion 4-H Commercial Waterfowl
Noah Roy, 14 of Tippecanoe County
Champion 4-H Garden Exhibit
Megan Berry, 15 of Hendricks County
Reserve Champion 4-H Duroc Barrow
Kellen Woods, 14 of Tipton County
Champion 4-H Chester White Barrow
Dalaney Vickrey, 12 of Huntington County
Champion 4-H Spot Barrow
Connor Young, 19 of Howard County
Champion 4-H Yorkshire Barrow
Kelsey Bauer, 18 of Huntington County
Champion Cache of 4-H Honey
Wyatt Helfin, 15 of Wabash County
Champion 4-H Meat Pen of Rabbits
Kayla Patrick, 18 of Huntington County
Champion 4-H Dairy Steer
Jared Templin, 15 of Kosciusko County
Champion 4-H Simmental Steer
Clayton Main, 14 of Jackson County
Champion 4-H Chianina Steer
Brooke Hayden, 11 of Jasper County
Champion 4-H Maine Steer
Rachael Rogers, 11 of Noble County
Grand Champion 4-H Meat Type Chickens
James Champ, 17 of Cass County
Reserve Champion 4-H Meat Goat Whether
Elizabeth Michel, 14 of Wabash County
Champion 4-H Meat Goat Whether
Megan Brooks, 18 of Clark County
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb
Eryn Schinbeckler, 17 of Whitley County
Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb
Eryn Schinbeckler, 17 of Whitley County
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Barrow
Katelyn O’Farrell, 17 of Carroll County
Grand Champion 4-H Barrow
Cole Wilcox, 15 of Lawrence County
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Steer
Austen Irvin, 18 of Henry County
Grand Champion 4-H Steer
Teegan Brumbaugh, 18 of Noble County