Annual 4-H Show Being Held in Bridgewater

4-H members will gather in Bridgewater to participate in the 32nd annual Nova Scotia 4-H Show. The event will be held at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds from Oct. 2-4.

"Through 4-H, young people learn technical, communication and leadership skills that help them become confident, responsible citizens and future leaders in their community," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture.

"I have watched my children grow and mature through the 4-H program as they to work in harmony with each other and I certainly recommend this program to all children and adult volunteers."

The 4-H show includes technical presentations, projects and competitions that help members become confident in their abilities and acquire skills that will help them later in life.

Each year, the 4-H show is held in different communities. The 2009 event is being hosted by the Lunenburg County 4-H Leader's Council.

"It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to organize a show of this size," said Arthur Pick, manager of 4-H and rural organizations. "A strong volunteer base is a true testament to the health of a community. These towns benefit from the additional visitors attending the event."

Nova Scotia has the largest 4-H show in Canada for young people aged 9 to 21. There are 2,400 4-H members, 850 4-H leaders and 85 4-H clubs in the province.

In 2008, 10,000 people attended the Nova Scotia 4-H Show. Events featured this year include livestock competitions and auctions, a fashion show, dog obedience and handling trials, tug of war, speaking competition, displays and selections for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

The free event is open to the public.