2026 Marshall-Putnam County State Fair Delegates and Alternates Announced

August 3, 2026

Daphne Heeley being judged for their creative 3-D project.

The 2026 Marshall-Putnam County 4-H Show concluded with another successful year, providing 4-H members the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills, and accomplishments across more than 200 project areas. Youth from throughout Marshall and Putnam counties gathered at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds to exhibit projects they have worked on throughout the year, with many earning the opportunity to advance to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield this August.

The Marshall-Putnam 4-H Show is the culmination of a year of learning, leadership, and hands-on experiences. From agriculture and animal science to visual arts, photography, clothing, food, STEM, and communications, members demonstrated the wide variety of skills they have developed through their 4-H projects.

The success of the 4-H Show would not be possible without the dedication of countless volunteers, superintendents, judges, committee members, donors, sponsors, and families who generously gave their time and talents. Their commitment helps create a positive and rewarding experience for every 4-H member.

Congratulations to all of the youth who participated in the 2026 Marshall-Putnam County 4-H Show. Your hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn are commendable. We wish the best of luck to those selected to represent Marshall-Putnam County at the Illinois State Fair.

Below is a list of the trophy winners and the State Fair Delegates.

Aerospace

Outstanding Model Rocket

Braxton Schoon of LW Achievers

Outstanding Model Rocket

Gracie Vinyard of Bell Plain Hustlers

Outstanding Aerospace

Beau Barrow of Wenona Highlighters

Outstanding Rocket Launch

Braxton Schoon of L- W Achievers

Beef

Grand Champion Steer

Carter Keller of P.C. Progressors

Reserve Grand Champion Steer

Lane Kocher of Saratoga Leadaways

Grand Champion Female

Ryan Carlson of Henry Guys and Gals

Reserve Grand Champion Female

Braden Hahn of Bennington Go Getters

Beef Premiere Winner

Carter Keller of PC Progressors

Reserve Beef Premiere Winner

Lane Kocher of Saratoga Leadaways

Junior Beef Showmanship

Carter Keller of P.C. Progressors

Supreme Showmanship

Kaitlyn Palm of Bennington Go- Getters

Champion Bred and Owned Heifer

Braden Hahn of Bennington Go Getters

Champion M-P Raised Steer

Carter Keller of P.C. Progressors

Beef Club Group Award

Saratoga Leadaways

Clothing and Textiles

Outstanding STEAM I

Aubryn Eberle of Steuben Rangers

Outstanding STEAM III

Kaitlyn Palm of Bennington Go Getters

Outstanding Shopping in Style

Grace Miles of Bennington Go-Getters

Outstanding Model

Grace Miles of Bennington Go Getters

Outstanding Model

Kaitlyn Palm of Bennington Go Getters

Rhonda Downey Memorial Best Overall Sewing and Textiles

Aubryn Ebere of Stueben Rangers

Dairy

Grand Champion Dairy Female

Reese Lenkaitis of P.C. Progressors

Champion Bucket Calf

Mackenzie Foster of Bennington Go-Getters

Dairy Showmanship

Mackenzie Foster of Bennington Go-Getters

Dogs

Best Overall Dog Obedience

Lucy Stivers

Senior Dog Showmanship

Sandra Husseman

Best Overall Dog Care

Gracie Vinyard

Best of Show Fun Class

Lucy Stivers

Best of Show Costume Class

Benjamin Vinyard

Foods and Nutrition

Senior Champion Cook

Avery Banuat of L-W Achievers

Junior Champion Cook

Shaw Dean of P.C. Progressors

Outstanding Food & Nutrition

Braxton Schoon of L-W Achievers

Outstanding Food & Nutrition

Aubrey Banuat of L-W Achievers

Outstanding Food Science

Samantha Nauman of Saratoga Leadaways

Overall Food Science

Samantha Nauman of Saratoga Leadaways

Goat

Grand Champion Dairy Doe

Joseph Vinyard of Bell Plain Hustlers

Grand Champion Dairy Wether

Joseph Vinyard of Bell Plain Hustlers

Grand Champion Meat Doe

Kameron Kolb of Bennington Go Getters

Grand Champion Pygmy Doe

Kendra Story of P.C. Progressors

Champion Pygmy Wether

Mackenzie Foster of Bennington Go Getters

Junior Goat Showmanship

Kameron Kolb of Bennington Go Getters

Senior Goat Showmanship

Mackenzie Foster of Bennington Go Getters

Home and Family

Outstanding Home and Family Exhibit

Reese Lenkaitis of PC Progressors

Outstanding Home and Family Exhibit

Samantha Nauman of Saratoga Leadaways

Outstanding Home and Family Exhibit

Madison Knapp of PC Progressors

Horse and Pony

Grand Champion Horse

Miranda Foster of Bennington Go Getters

Grand Champion Pony

Lucy Stivers of Bell Plain Hustlers

Junior Showmanship

Miranda Foster of Bennington Go Getters

Senior Showmanship

Lucy Stivers of Bell Plain Hustlers

Champion Showmanship

Makenzie Horton of P.C. Progressors

Jr. Horsemanship

Lucy Stivers of Bell Plain Hustlers

Sr. Horsemanship

Makenzie Horton of P.C. Progressors

Horse Costume Class

Anastasia Catton of Saratoga Leadaways

Horticulture

Outstanding Horticulture/Crops

Hayden Baugh of L-W Achievers

Outstanding Horticulture/Crops

Kiryn Schear of Steuben Rangers

Outstanding Horticulture/Crops

Shaw Dean of PC Progressors

Outstanding Horticulture/Crops

Avery Banuat of L-W Achievers

Outstanding Horticulture/Crops

Chloe Schoepke of L-W Achievers