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Longtime Indiana 4-H volunteer Max Fitzpatrick shares his passion and talents statewide for nearly 70 years.

December 18, 2020

4 Min Read
Max Fitzpatrick stands in front of the building that bears his name at the Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds in Franklin, IN
ALL ABOUT 4-H: Max Fitzpatrick stands in front of the building that bears his name at the Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds in Franklin, Ind. He has served 4-H all over Indiana during his 68 years of volunteer service. Emily Dougherty

At the Johnson County Fairgrounds, a large 4-H green building bears his name: Fitzpatrick Hall. This building is just a humble representation of the positive legacy Max Fitzpatrick has left on the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair and Indiana 4-H in the past nearly 70 years.

Born and raised in Johnson County’s Clark Township, Fitzpatrick has been passionate about education since a young age. This passion is met with his love for the agriculture industry through his involvement in 4-H and his family farm, which he still owns today.

A graduate of Franklin College, Fitzpatrick received his master’s degree from Indiana University and obtained coursework and certifications from Purdue University, Ball State and Butler University. He instilled his passion for education into the next generation while serving as a teacher and principal in the Franklin Community School Corp.

All starts with 4-H

Like many young rural youth, Fitzpatrick’s journey began as a 10-year 4-H member. He didn’t just stay in Johnson County. He was named a national winner and attended the National 4-H Congress in Chicago.

“I needed that affiliation with other people,” Fitzpatrick says. “You have to gain a network in life, and that’s how you build it — by going places and meeting people.”

At 19, Fitzpatrick helped start the Johnson County 4-H Tractor Club. That was in 1952. He’s still a leader for the same club today. After 68 years of volunteering, he has seen 4-H and fairs transform to what they are today as he has selflessly given of himself, his talents and resources.

“I had a good experience in 4-H and really good leaders,” Fitzpatrick says. “They needed help, and I did it.”

More recently, he helped start the Johnson County 4-H Honor Group. 4-H members in their last year complete a project to better the 4-H program.

Fitzpatrick also served on the Johnson County Fair Board. If you have had an iconic “beaver tail,” a spinoff of the traditional elephant ear snack, that is one of the creative ideas Fitzpatrick coined.

Fitzpatrick has served the Indiana Fairs Association as president, secretary-treasurer and historian. He is a member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1985. In addition, he was the president of the National Association of Fair Agencies. He and his wife, Lois, made many memories and friends while she served as secretary at the Indiana State Fair Cattle Barn. Fitzpatrick notes he has attended every county fair in Indiana!

Step up and help

In 1999, local officials needed another building on the Johnson County Fairgrounds for crops, rabbits, poultry and open-class garden projects. The Fitzpatricks donated money for Fitzpatrick Hall.

After Lois died in 2010, Fitzpatrick built Heritage Hall in her honor. This building has provided the opportunity to expand 4-H and other programs like garden clubs.

“Max is a huge part of Johnson County 4-H through his support of the youth and the facilities at the Johnson County Fair,” says Heather Dougherty, Johnson County 4-H Extension educator. “When he comes to check in to the office or stop to say ‘hi,’ he just brightens the room.”

The Fitzpatricks’ legacy stretches beyond the Kelly-green fairground buildings. It is in the lives and actions of thousands of people with whom the couple interacted.

“I have practically seen every farmer who was in 4-H grow into farmers in Johnson County,” Fitzpatrick says. “That is a big reward that keeps you going and makes me want to do another year.”

Sound advice

One of Fitzpatrick’s greatest joys is watching young kids get started in 4-H and continue to grow in the program. “If they show in peewee and weren’t bigger than the animals, they didn’t even compare in size, but they would work so hard,” he says. “They are so cute at working so hard to get the job done. It is a pleasant situation watching their raw determination to succeed.”

Fitzpatrick offers advice for 4-H’ers and youth everywhere. “Never give up, even though it might become a difficult situation,” he says. “If you work to the end, you are a winner. Giving up doesn’t give you anything. It just lessens your ability to learn more knowledge about what you are working on.”

Likewise, Fitzpatrick isn’t shy about encouraging others to build off their 4-H career by giving back as a volunteer. “Don’t quit. 4-H needs you, and you need that experience of helping others,” says Fitzpatrick.

After 68 years, 2020 brought new challenges to 4-H and fair volunteers like Fitzpatrick. He’s seen a lot of change and transformation, but this year was like none other. This doesn’t stop Fitzpatrick from looking forward to the future.

“We have to get back at this business. I can’t wait to have a fair in 2021 and see people use their skills and talents,” he says. “They have had a whole year to get ready for this year — it ought to be a fine fair!

“There are no limits to what 4-H can do. Their motto is to make the best better. They have always taken the best and improved it.”

Dougherty is a senior in agricultural communication at Purdue University. She is a former 4-H member in Johnson County, Ind., and benefited from Fitzpatrick’s guidance.

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