From the Director

May Announcements

  • May 30, 2025

indiana state fair sign-up

Purdue Extension plays a major role at the Indiana State Fair each year, and with that comes many exciting opportunities for all Extension professionals to get involved.

Please use the 2025 State Fair Sign-Up Sheet.xlsx or reference the banner on the Hub to sign up for one or more opportunities to support Purdue Extension at the fair. In addition to the wide array of 4-H events, we will also showcase a variety of exhibits in the Purdue Extension Building.

Thank you in advance for lending your time and talents to help make the 2025 Indiana State Fair a success! This year’s fair runs Aug. 1–17 and will be closed on Mondays. The theme for 2025 is "Sounds of Summer.

Quick Cascade Reminders for Better Website Stewardship

A well-maintained website helps inform and engage community stakeholders and professionals seeking information about Extension programs and areas of expertise. Making content user-friendly improves both visibility and accessibility. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind when working in Cascade:

Use Meaningful Alt Text
  • Alt text is required for accessibility. Avoid using blank spaces. Descriptions must accurately reflect the image content to remain ADA-compliant.

Keep Introduction Blocks Concise

  • The introduction block is for brief summaries only. Avoid placing all page content here, as it causes layout issues and limits readability.

Use Internal vs. External Links Correctly

  • Internal Links: For any page built within Cascade (e.g., Purdue Extension or College of Ag pages).
  • External Links: For sites outside Cascade (e.g., 4-H Online, YouTube).

Don’t Use Images as Buttons

  • Linking images, like 4-H clovers, as buttons goes against Purdue branding standards. Use designated button blocks instead.

Utilize the CTA Button Block

  • The Call to Action (CTA) Button block enhances navigation and can be added to all pages. You can include up to 5 buttons below either the banner image or the introduction block.

Organize Files Properly

  • Store all images in the _media folder.
  • Store PDFs in the _docs folder.

Optimize Image Sizes

  • All images must be under 999KB (1MB) to avoid slowing down your site. Use RedKetchup.io for free image compression.

Know Where to Get Cascade Help

  • Purdue IT and AgIT do not manage Cascade accounts. For access or support, visit the Cascade User Guide.

By following these best practices, Extension websites will remain accessible, on-brand, and impactful.

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