Fair Photos from Saturday, July 12: Awards

Grand moment

Newt Long gets a well deserved congratulations from his father, Bill, while his mother, Lora, captures the proud moment following the announcement of Newt as Grand Showman of Showmen of the 2008 Madison County Fair. The award put a great finish on what had been a successful Madison County Fair for Newt. During the week-long event, the 17-year-old London High School senior and member of London FFA was named the fair’s rabbit ambassador. He earned showman of showmen title in the rabbit and poultry divisions. He won the Harry Campbell Memorial Award for Outstanding Rabbit Exhibitor and the Premier Livestock Exhibitor Award for poultry.

Showmen winners

The 2008 Madison County Fair Grand Showman of Showmen Contest, held July 12, was made up seven 4-H and FFA members who had won their species division earlier in the week. For the grand event, each had to show all of the species. The competitors were: (from left) Alex Kronk, 15, sophomore at Jonathan Alder, Madison Kountry Kids 4-H Club, swine; Nicole Siebold, 13, eighth grade at West Jefferson Middle School, Madison Kountry Kids, goats; Delanie Wiseman, 13, freshman at Bishop Ready High School, Willing Workers West, sheep; Meghan Manning, 17, senior at Madison Plains High School, Speedy Spurs Livestock, beef; Samantha Briggs, 17, Columbus State (2007 Madison-Plains graduate), Trail Blazers, equine-donkey; Jason Parker, 17, senior at Jonathan Alder, Monroe Winners, dairy; and Newt Long, 17, senior at London High School, London FFA, poultry and rabbits. State Rep. Chris Widener (far right) presented each showman with an award.

Waples Memorial award

16-year-old Jessica Richards (right) is the first recipient of the Jennifer Waples Memorial Award for Outstanding Dog Exhibitor. The award was named for a long-time participant in 4-H activities who passed away earlier this year. Richards is a student at Tolles Career and Technical Center and a member of the Jumpers & Flyers 4-H Club. She has been active in 4-H for 10 years. Presenting the award to Richards are Junior Fair Princess Allison Fogelsong (left) and Rabbit Ambassador Desiree Holton.

Leach Memorial award

Samantha Edwards (right) of the Rough and Rowdy Ropers 4-H Club was awarded the Debbie Leach Memorial Award for Outstanding Equine Exhibitor. The trophy and clock were presented by first runner-up queen attendant Libby Johnson (left) and Equine Ambassador Tori Borden.

Brock Memorial award

The Steve Brock Memorial Award for Outstanding Dairy Exhibitor is another new award for 2008 and was named after a man who’s commitment and generosity were ever present in the 4-H community and Madison County Fair. His family members were on hand for the presentation of this first award. Jane Brock presented the trophy to Tara Buckland of the Helping Hands Happy Hearts 4-H Club.

Messenger photo by Pat Donahue

Skillet-throw winner

Emma Hockenbery remains the Madison County Fair

take first place overall for the second year in a row.

Messenger photo by Pat Donahue

Mannon heaves skillet

Marge Mannon of West Jefferson took the first-place spot

fair. Mannon achieved a throw of 28 feet.

Scholarship winner

Beth Ann Havens was the recipient of the Green Range

sheep, April Harris, Green Range 4-H Club.

Age group winner

Cheryl Homeier of London threw her way to the front of her 46-64 age group with a toss of 40 feet during this year’s Ladies Skillet Throw.

Hurling cooking ware

Lori Helsel of Columbus took first place among the 30- to 45-year-olds who competed in the Madison County Fair Ladies Skillet Throw. Helsel’s best throw was 45 feet 9 inches, and she finished second overall.

Danielle Stockham of the Canaan Pathfinders 4-H Club had a winning fair week. Her achievements include: overall outstanding, Senior Shooting Sports, trophy and state fair winner for Shooting Sports Shotgun; overall outstanding and state fair winner, Senior Self Determined Project; outstanding in Safe Use of Guns; outstanding in Creative Arts; first place in Senior Cake Decorating; first place in 4-H Photography Contest ("Bon Voyage"); first place in 4-H Photography Contest ("Within the City Limits"); and third place Open Class Amateur ("Flowers Only").