Back before Plum Creek Golf Course, Northview Christian Church and three housing additions were built around East 126th Street in Carmel, the land was home to purebred shorthorn cattle and Berkshire hogs.
Lynnwood Farm was developed by Charles Lynn who was the vice president of Eli Lilly. The 632-acre farm was owned by Purdue University and run by Bob Peterson.
In addition to the responsibilities of running the massive farm, Peterson was heavily involved in 4-H with his children. In 1972, Peterson created the Supreme Showmanship contest
“Our goal to begin that was to further recognize the youngsters in the county that were doing a good job promoting their livestock at the county fair,” he said. “My hope is the younger kids see the older ones presenting their animals in Supreme Showmanship and they will take better care of their animals the next year because someday they envisioned themselves in the contest and worked harder on their projects.”
Supreme Showmanship started with five animals – beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep and horses – and has expanded to include dairy goats and meat goats. The contest, which is held on Monday evening’s of the fair, is the culminating event of the fair besides the livestock auction.
“I’m thrilled and pleased to know this contest has become so popular,” Peterson said.
“People you haven’t seen for years come that night,” Peterson’s wife, Trudy, said. “It’s really has become a crowd pleaser.”
Peterson’s children claimed the first three titles – Janet (Peterson) White, 1973; Ann (Peterson) Day, 1974; and John Peterson, 1975. Ann’s sons, Nathan and Cameron, also won the contest in 2003 and 2008 respectively.
“You knew what you were going to do that Monday night of the fair,” Nathan said. “The stands are packed. I’ve judged at other county Supreme contests and sometimes there are 30 people there. It’s not necessarily the marquee event (it is here).”
“Supreme is the best of the best out there,” Cameron said. “Winning Supreme means more than the ribbon and a plaque; it’s kind of like a fraternity. It’s extremely special.”