4-Hers gather for 100 Year Celebration

Not even the rain could stop this party.

Despite a downpour and subsequent steamy conditions at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, more than 100 4-Hers past and present flocked to Centennial Park to celebrate a century of showing animals, assembling projects and building character through the 4-H program.

The 100 Year Celebration brought the 4-H community together in recognition of the program’s rich history and fertile future. Organizers recognized volunteers and leaders in the group, presented awards to long-time contributors and the oldest 4-Hers in attendance.

People picked up commemorative pins, t-shirts, ornaments and more, while getting photographs taken in front of a special balloon display and snacking on cupcakes.

“This has been a long time coming, and everyone here has been instrumental in that,” said Rob Souchon, fair board member and member of the 4-H Council. “We’re proud to be here, and we’re proud of you.”

The 100 Year Celebration was the third and final major event recognizing the 4-H centennial. Organizers envisioned a capstone on the 100-year recognition just as the fair was getting started.

But the weather threw a slight wrench in the event. Just 30 minutes before it was supposed to start, heavy rains left Centennial Park, where the ceremony was held, soggy and flooded. Fairgrounds staff jumped into action, using pumps and squeegees to move the water around and give people a somewhat dry place to sit and stand.

The start of the ceremony was delayed slightly as seating was moved around. While people waited, they browsed the centennial merchandise, checking out the ornaments, pins and other 100-year souvenirs.

But once it got started, the ceremony was filled with small touches and big tributes aiming to encompass the 4-H experience.

Grace Scott, a former Johnson County 4-H member who has emerged as a rising performing artist with her group the Grace Scott Band, sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” Jenna Kelsey, the 2023 Johnson County Fair Queen, led the entire group in the 4-H Pledge.

The 4-H Honor Group spoke about the projects they had accomplished over the year, including giving the fairgrounds’ Kiwanis building a fresh coat of paint, redoing the Gatehouse on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds and preparing an exhibit of items found in a time capsule buried at Centennial Park in 2002.

“For me personally, Honor Group has been an amazing cherry on top of my 10 years in 4-H. I’ve been put into places where I’ve learned so many different skills. Leadership positions helped me learn to lead, communicate, work with others. Trips allowed me to get closer to people I know and have now become lifelong friends,” said Eli Lengacher, a member of the group.

Other aspects of the centennial celebration shone a spotlight on the role the Johnson County community has played in ensuring 4-H has enjoyed 100 years of success.

Jamie Morris, volunteer extension specialist with Purdue Extension, emphasized the importance of volunteering for the 4-H program. From group leaders to instructors to community contributors, people who give their time are essential.

“We couldn’t do it without you. 4-H volunteers are the backbone and face of the 4-H program. We appreciate what you do, we count on you to be there to guide us, to give us intel and help us remain relevant in the changing times,” Morris said. “And volunteers continue to grow our program with opportunities.”

A special tribute was made to the county’s oldest 4-H club, the Hopewell Boys and Girls Club, and anyone who had been part of that club was recognized with applause. The county’s Purdue Extension educators past and present were asked to stand and be honored.

4-H banners emblazoned with “100 Years” on them were given to the oldest 4-H alumni in attendance. The oldest was Martha Compton, a 94-year-old who was in the program from 1940 to 1950. Other longtime former members were also feted.

“That’s real tradition right there,” Souchon said.

Steve Bechman, who was instrumental in helping create the Johnson County 4-H Endowment Fund, also spoke about the fund and its role in supporting 4-H.

“Any income off of that account can be used by (Purdue Extension educator) Heather (Dougherty) at her desecration to use for different things,” Bechman said. “It’s a great way to support 4-H.”

As the program came to a close, Scott returned to the microphone to perform a series of songs as people came up to grab cookies and cupcakes. Before they dispersed, Souchon thanked everyone for all they’ve done for 4-H and wished all a good fair week.

“It’s a great day to be part of the Johnson County 4-H program,” he said.