Lunenburg County Hosts 4-H Provincial Show

Nova Scotia 4-H members and leaders will take part in the largest independent provincial 4-H show in Canada from Friday, Sept. 29, to Sunday, Oct. 1, at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds in Bridgewater.

"The provincial show is a major event for 4-H participants," said Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ernest Fage. "The talent they display and the pride they have in their work is extraordinary. When you see that, it is easy to see why the government is such a strong supporter of the 4-H program."

This is the 23rd year for Nova Scotia's Provincial 4-H Show. As always, it will give 4-H members a chance to showcase their achievements and to compete for honours in livestock, homemaking and non-livestock classes. About 2,400 youth and 1,000 adult leaders from the 4-H program attend the show. Organizers expect an additional 10,000 4-H enthusiasts to attend the weekend's events as spectators.

More than 40 skill-developing projects such as livestock, crafts and photography will be on display. Livestock competitions, a fashion show, floral arranging competition, auctions of market steer, lambs and turkeys and selections for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto are highlights of the show.

4-H builds confidence, responsibility and friendship said Elizabeth Crouse, manager of 4-H and Rural Organizations with the Department of Agriculture and Marketing.

"It is a well-rounded program designed to help young people become fine citizens and future community leaders. We can be proud of our 4-H members. They are confident, well-spoken and skilled young people." 4-H has been a part of rural communities in Nova Scotia for 78 years.

Each year a county or region hosts the 4-H Show. This year, the Lunenburg County 4-H Council took on hosting duties, which include making site arrangements, providing security and raising funds.

"It has been a rewarding experience working with Lunenburg County 4-H Council and staff to host this show," said Lorraine Wile, volunteer leader and co-chairperson of the Provincial Show Hosting Committee. "It is amazing to see the co-operative volunteer effort that has to be done to put a show of this size together. We are expecting this show to be one of the best."

The Nova Scotia 4-H Provincial Show is a weekend filled with activities that will interest the whole family. The public is welcome to attend the show and admission is free.