Weekend Celebrates 4-H Excellence

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College will host this year's provincial 4-H Weekend as more than 350 members from across Nova Scotia descend on Truro for two days of competition and fun.

The event takes place May 7-8 and will showcase the recreational and public speaking abilities of 4-H members who have previously won competitions at the county, club and regional levels. The weekend will culminate in 4-H Night on Saturday evening when participants will be presented with awards ranging from Top Overall Woodsman Team to top Host and Hostess honours. Hosts and Hostesses are official youth representatives for 4-H in Nova Scotia.

"There is tremendous potential among young people in rural Nova Scotia and 4-H plays a key role in developing that potential," said Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine. "All Nova Scotians should be proud to support 4-H because it gives our youth the tools to make a difference in our communities, and the confidence to make positive things happen."

The 4-H program prides itself on fostering the growth of future community leaders. Nova Scotia's 4-H program has been such a success that other countries have used it as a model for their own youth programs. Currently, the Czech Republic has a delegation visiting the province until May 9.

The awards ceremonies and 4-H Night will begin at 7 p.m. on May 8 at the Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro. Mr. Lorraine and delegates from the Czech Republic will be taking part in the evening's events.