Recent History – 2000
June 1, 2000
By Patsy Nagel, Contributing Writer
It’s great to see cooperation on both sides of the border in the 4-H movement.
4-H members from all areas of the Peace came together May 27-28 in Grande Prairie to show their projects and practice judging different classes.
Many horses and riders competed in all age groups in the horse events. Classes were held for novice competitors as well as those more experienced riders.
Many fun events were also held, including a “Delsey Derby” where pairs of riders had to follow instructions while holding a short piece of bathroom tissue (Delsey brand?) between them. If it broke, they left the ring.
There was also a matched pairs class which had the riders stay together while performing the numerous figures that the judges required.
The judge for the horses was Wendy Ross, well-known in the area for her “horse sense.”
The costume class had many unique ideas and quiet horses who didn’t seem to mind things flapping around their legs!
The Tate Creek Variety 4-H Club had many ribbons come their way for their riding abilities. Congratulations to members and leaders.
In the cattle show, numbers were down due to conflict with important events such as graduation and beef achievement days. However, judge John Milne from Fairview was pleased with the quality of the cattle that were presented.
The grooming judges, Trevor Binks and Les Buck, put the members through the classes and then gave pointers on why they were placed in that order. They placed emphasis on knowledge and reasons for grooming in a particular way.
Laurie Beck was assisted by her sister, Pat Fraser, in judging the showmanship classes. The pair really worked the members and said that it was necessary to choose their winners from such sharp showmanship.
Ashley Rousell, from the Boundary 4-H Community Club, got the top place in her freshman class, not having shown there before.
Some of the local sheep and goat clubs took their animals down and did very well with them. Clarence Hanson of Beaverlodge judged the sheep show.
Members, leaders, and families enjoyed a delicious banquet Saturday evening.
This was followed by the judging results and other awards.
The top scoring eight will win a trip to Olds, Alberta for judging this summer.
A $200 scholarship was presented to Amber Tompkins from the Tate Creek Variety 4-H Club. Congratulations, Amber.
Tables were cleared away and members and their families enjoyed dancing to fund dances such as the bird dance and the macarena. Pancake breakfast was served both mornings, cooked by different clubs.
In spite of the weather, members enjoyed the learning experience and getting to know their fellow members in other clubs.