Rutland--The 4-H Building was humming with activity throughout the five-day run of the Vermont State Fair.

Sixty-six Bennington and Rutland County 4-H club members participated in the Aug. 16-20 fair, entering more than 400 individual exhibits in horticulture, food, textile arts, photography and other departments. Several 4-H'ers also showed horses or dairy animals or demonstrated what they learning through 4-H projects through tabletop displays, posters, dioramas and other educational exhibits.

New this year was a performing arts department, which gave 4-H'ers a chance to entertain visitors with vocal and instrumental performances and puppetry as they competed for ribbons and Best in Show.

4-H Shooting Sports returned to the fair after a long absence. The Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club's display in the 4-H Building included hands-on demonstrations, basic safety information and wildlife tracking lessons. Visitors also were invited to try target shooting with an airsoft gun under the guidance of a trained instructor.

While all the 4-H exhibitors earned a blue, red or white ribbon for their project work and achievements, several stood out for capturing Best in Show and other special awards. Many received their awards Saturday evening at a ceremony in the 4-H Building.

The top award, the McKirryher Family Watch Award, was won by Tristin Warner of Granville, New York. The watch is presented to the Rutland County 4-H club member who earns the highest number of points for 4-H exhibits, demonstrations and leadership activities at the fair.

Amie Thurston, West Rutland, received the Rutland County Agricultural Society Officers and Trustees Award for having the second highest number of points from exhibits in the 4-H departments. Earning the 4-H Leadership Award were Alexa McLaughlin, Rutland, and Lorryn Trujillo, North Clarendon.

Best in Show and other special awards in each department were as follows:

  • CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP: Best in Show and the Vermont State Park Award: Tristin Warner, Granville, New York
  • DAIRY: Breed champions: Bailey Bowen, Florence; Patty Bruce, East Wallingford; Emma Seward, East Wallingford; Natalia Tarbell, Middletown Springs; Rose Tarbell, Middletown Springs; and Lorryn Trujillo, North Clarendon
  • DOGS: Overall Grand Champion, Champion Junior Handler and High in Trial: Amalie Pratt, Wolcott; Sportsmanship Award: Kelsey Adams, Pittsford; 4-H Cloverbud Award: Brodie Nicholson, Rutland
  • EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS: Best in Show: Luci Badillo, Rutland
  • FINE ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS: Best in Show and the Diane Heleba Award: Tristin Warner, Granville, New York
  • FOOD AND NUTRITION: Best in Show: Jude Badillo, Rutland
  • FOOD PRESERVATION: Best in Show and the Orrie Graham Award: Tristin Warner, Granville, New York
  • HORSES: Mounted Equine Award: Brie Pikkarainen, East Wallingford; Unmounted Equine Award: Harriet Sterling, Fair Haven
  • HORTICULTURE: Best in Show and Terrarium/Fairy Garden Award: Ava Potter, Rutland
  • PERFORMING ARTS: Best in Show: Olivia Bullock, Rutland
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: Best in Show and the Boyce Family Award: Olivia Bullock, Rutland; Martin/Giffin Award: Emma Haley, Middletown Springs; Sabatino Award: Tristin Warner, Granville, New York
  • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math): Best in Show: Tristin Warner, Granville, New York
  • TEXTILE ARTS: Best in Show and Bald Peak Homemaker's Award: Luci Badillo, Rutland; Knitting Award: Ava Potter, Rutland; Best Overall Needlework Award: Luci Stubbins, Rutland; Senior Homemaker Award: Alexa McLaughlin, Rutland

For information about the University of Vermont Extension 4-H program, contact the State 4-H Office at (802) 651-8343 or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).