The 61st annual 4-H Show and Sale had a great turnout, a volunteer organizer said.
“We got a lot of new younger members come in,” said Jim Bowhay, past show and sale chairman.
Members of the Sundre and Bergen 4-H multi Clubs spent Monday, May 28 at the Sundre Arena, which was temporarily converted to accommodate livestock for the day with a few bleachers for the crowd.
There were 34 steers and a dozen lambs showcased, said Bowhay, adding a charity lamb was sold several times over with the proceeds going to the Sundre Hospital Auxiliary. Several officials rated the livestock and provided feedback to each contestant, he said.
“The judges did a fantastic job. They took time with all of the kids.”
That kind of interaction and insightful guidance goes a long way towards helping build onto the knowledge base of newer, less experienced 4-H members, who walk away better equipped to improve and do even better the next year, he said.
Seeing how much the young members grow over the years is always exciting, he said, adding the show and sale often brings families together.
“That’s so rewarding, seeing the generations of a family, sometimes three or even four. That really tickles me — not many events you see stuff like that.”
Bowhay expressed unreserved enthusiasm for the 4-H program, which he considers an important opportunity to help develop young adolescents into well-rounded and responsible adults.
“I believe in the program so much.”
His children were all involved in 4-H, and like him, they also continue to volunteer for events such as the show and sale to pay it forward.
“I want to give back what 4-H has given to our family,” he said.
There were also some other 4-H alumni who returned to lend a hand, he added.
“They appreciated and enjoyed the program so much they come back to help.”
Following more than 40 years of involvement with 4-H activities, Bowhay said he has personally seen the program’s benefits. Members develop skills such as public speaking, marketing, record-keeping, as well as the ins and outs of taking care of and raising a healthy animal that fetches top dollar.
All of this fosters more confidence among members, he said, adding some who initially come in shy and reserved eventually end up breaking out of their shells.
“You see that after they’ve been in there one or two years.”
Bowhay expressed his gratitude for everyone who came out to support the show and sale.
“The kids have done their marketing well — there were people from out of town buying animals, which was great to see.”
Before the sale, approximately 275 people were fed, which was also an increase, he said.
“The three bleachers were full pretty well the whole time.”
There were even additionally a few other people watching from the arena’s regular stands, he said, attributing the encouraging turnout to the fact farmers and residents had largely finally gotten around to planting their crops and gardens.
Show results included:
• Interclub Grand Champion Steer and Sundre Grand Champion Steer - Jorja Packer
• Interclub Reserve Grand Champion Steer and Sundre Reserve Champion Steer - Isabella Packer
• Bergen Grand Champion Steer - Caleb Richardson
• Bergen Reserve Grand Champion Steer - Ashlyn Jones
• Interclub Grand Champion Lamb and Sundre Grand Champion Lamb - Dylan McLean
• Interclub Reserve Grand Champion Lamb and Bergen Grand Champion Lamb - Shiloh Etmanski
• Sundre Reserve Grand Champion Lamb - Lucas Tooth
• Bergen Reserve Grand Champion Lamb - Ashley Schrauwen
