The Sundre and Bergen 4-H multi-clubs recently held their 60th annual show and sale. "It was fantastic," said Jim Bowhay, an organizer, during a phone interview while he handled chores such as milking the cows on his farm. "It was just a great day.
The Sundre and Bergen 4-H multi-clubs recently held their 60th annual show and sale.
"It was fantastic," said Jim Bowhay, an organizer, during a phone interview while he handled chores such as milking the cows on his farm.
"It was just a great day."
The event was held on Monday, May 29 at the local arena, which for the day resembled a miniature version of the famous setup for livestock at the Calgary Stampede grounds complete with numerous pens holding steers and sheep that were carefully tended to by a few dozen of the two club's young members.
Participation in the clubs is a long-standing tradition for some families, and seeing multiple generations from the same family name on certain trophies is not unheard of. Joanne Jackson, nÈe Overguard, was a 4-H member when the local clubs started 60 years ago, and she attended the show and sale to support her own granddaughters' opportunity to take part in the program as well as to see the progress they have made. There were even several alumni members who returned to help out, said Bowhay.
The farmer, who is also involved in organizing the Sundre Pro Rodeo, said he could not think of another program that builds as solid a foundation for young people's futures as 4-H clubs do. Watching the youth working hard to raise the animals they've committed themselves to caring for is rewarding, he told the Round Up.
Members of 4-H clubs eventually emerge from the program well equipped to jump with both feet into the bigger world, he said.
The Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre riding's MLA Jason Nixon even offered a few thoughts that evening, imparting the dozens of people who attended with the fact plenty of politicians have early roots in 4-H, which among many other skills promotes public speaking, running meetings, bookkeeping as well as service to the community, said Bowhay.
"Community service is a big part of 4-H," he said.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of 4-H in Alberta. The club motto is also its name — Head, Heart, Hands and Health, which summed up makes the 4-H logo.
Bowhay expressed his gratitude for the continued participation of auctioneer Clayton Cole, from Rocky Mountain House, who has been involved in the annual show and sale for several years. Also, Kaycee Johnson contributed her time voluntarily to photograph the entire event, which ran all day and into the evening.
He also praised the participation of Miss Rodeo Sundre 2016 Martina Holtkamp as well as the 2017 contestants Dana Blasetti and Alisa Brace, who handed out trophies and ribbons.
Of course the sale would not be possible without buyers.
"The support of local businesses and buyers was exceptional," said Bowhay.
Both of the clubs sold a lamb for which the proceeds went to STARS. The animal was purchased, returned and resold several times. Almost $4,000 was raised for the air ambulance service while the animal was donated to the food bank, he said.
As with other community-run events, people who are willing to offer their time are also invaluable, he said.
"I can't say enough about the volunteers who help put it together and the judges who come out."
Rod Morrison, the senior conformation judge, and Brett Marshall, the junior conformation judge, spent time with the youth explaining how their scores were calculated, he said.
"The judges explain the factors that lead to their decision. The kids learn from that."
Click here for a list of this year's results.
