OTTAWA, Ohio (WLIO) — For many Putnam County kids and teens, the fair is about more than rides, food and games. The fair provides an opportunity to showcase weeks of hard work in the Putnam County 4-H program and local Future Farmers of America chapters.
For some, the fair is a family affair. Levi and Jacob Kamphaus, who each won awards for showing goats at the fair, said they compete because their dad showed goats at their age. Both boys plan to pass the tradition on to their children.
"You learn a lot of valuable life lessons and it makes you a tough worker," said Jacob Kamphaus.
"And it's really fun," added Levi Kamphaus.
"Everybody should do it. It's very fun. You make a lot of good friends," said Jacob Kamphaus.
Winning doesn't just happen in the ring. Kids also have a chance to learn what it takes to win the blue ribbon through still projects.
"We have some great kids coming in here. We love seeing the first-year members look up to the older members. We have a great senior class. We have some great showmen this year that are in the show arena right now. We also have some great still project kids. And if you get a chance, check out those cake decorating, the woodworking projects. It's amazing to see what these kids can do," said 4-H educator Anna Downing.
Animal and still project judging will continue throughout the week and conclude on Saturday evening with the 4-H silent auction.
