News release

39th Provincial 4-H Show in Bible Hill

Agriculture

Nova Scotia 4-H members will be in Bible Hill, Friday, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 2, for the province's 39th annual 4-H Show at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds.

The event is the largest 4-H show in Canada with 40 projects, 90 classes, and 2,400 entries expected to be displayed this year. Admission is free for the public.

"The annual show is a wonderful display of the hard work and talent of 4-H members across the province," said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. "I wish all the participants in this year's show success."

4-H members, ages nine to 21-years-old, qualify to compete at the event after achieving top honours for their life skills or livestock projects at local exhibitions.

Highlights this year include livestock classes, market animal auctions, a fashion show, dog obedience and handling trials, tug-of-war, a cake decorating competition, grand champion showmanship class, and dairy and beef cattle selections for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

4-H alumni, like 18-year-old Ian MacLellan of the West River 4-H Club in Antigonish County, see the show as an important part of their overall experience as members.

"In my nine years with 4-H, I have learned about leadership, teamwork, work ethic, determination and so many other skills that I will hold with me for the rest of my life," said Mr. MacLellan. "The feeling you get when you have the opportunity to display the work that you have put into your projects all year, to people from across the province, truly makes the effort worth it.

"Whether you are there with a project, a competition, hosting, or supporting a club member, there is always time to connect and build relationships with like-minded people, and industry partners."

Each year a different county or region hosts the 4-H show. In 2016, the Central Region 4-H Leaders Council, made up of Colchester, Halifax, East Hants and Cumberland counties, is responsible for site arrangements, security, fundraising and promotion.

The public is invited to view the 4-H livestock and life skills projects from Friday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. to Sunday, Oct. 2 at noon.

Information and the program for this year's show is available at http://novascotia.ca/agri/programs-and-services/educational-resources/4h/provincial-events/.