Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz will lead the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Parade Sunday, July 20.

Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz will lead the 2014 Elkhart County 4-H Fair parade on Sunday, July 20.

Ritz had been an educator since 1978 until her election in 2012. Before starting as the state’s Department of Education Superintendent, Ritz was the library media specialist at Crooked Creek Elementary School in Indianapolis.

Ritz has visited Elkhart County several times since her election, but this summer will lead the annual fair parade with its more than 100 entries through downtown Goshen to the fairgrounds.

It’s fitting Ritz is leading the parade the year that the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is unveiling its first Education Day, to be held the opening day of the fair, said Fair Board President Tim Yoder. He said he thought about who the fair could invite who has had a great impact on education, when Ritz came to his mind.

“Education is important to everyone in Elkhart County and every county in Indiana and Mrs. Ritz lives by our 2014 theme ‘ALL IN,’ making it a great fit and partnership,” Yoder said. “Having the Superintendent of Indiana education at our fair is a huge thrill for the ‘ALL IN’ community, the fair and education systems.”

Yoder reported Ritz’s office noted the state superintendent is “looking forward to being up here (in Goshen) before Sunday and experience the fair,” adding she has heard good things about the Elkhart County Fair.

The 2014 Elkhart County 4-H Fair, “ALL IN” 4-H Fun, runs July 18-26.

For more information go to 4hfair.org, @ElkhartCo4HFair on Twitter or www.facebook.com/elkhartcounty4Hfair.