Celebration Awards Debut at New Youth Arena Dedication

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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