Annual 4-H Show in Lawrencetown

More than 3,400 4-H members and leaders will gather to showcase their talents for the annual Nova Scotia 4-H show, Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition Grounds in Lawrencetown.

"The 4-H show offers the public an opportunity to view the hard work and technical skills that 4-H members have worked to develop throughout the year," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "The 4-H program is the largest youth organization in the world with clubs in over 80 countries and seven million 4-H members worldwide. By participating in the
4-H program, youth gain confidence and develop teamwork and other essential skills they will use throughout their adult lives."

At this year's free event, which celebrates the 90th anniversary of 4-H in Canada, the public can view more than 40 skill- developing 4-H projects. Highlights include livestock, floral arranging, dog obedience and handling trials, tug-of-war, market steer, lamb and turkey auctions, non-livestock displays and selections for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Each year the event is held in a different county or region. This year, the Annapolis County 4-H Council has been selected to host with the assistance of the Hants and Annapolis county councils.

"Our recent Measures of Success II survey is proof that 4-H has a lasting and extremely positive impact on the lives of its members," said Elizabeth Crouse, manager, 4-H and rural organizations. "Seventy-four per cent of those interviewed said their experiences as a 4-H member was very beneficial in terms of contributing to personal or career experiences later in life."

The 4-H program has been involved in Nova Scotia's rural communities for 81 years. It offers a variety of opportunities for young people to learn new skills, develop friendships and travel.