| | Representing every 4-H project in the Northwest region, the eighth Focus on 4-H took place from July 1 to 3, 2006, at Edmonton's Northlands Park Exhibition Grounds. Between livestock shows, the multi-judging competition and the non-stop activities, the 300-plus members in attendance were lucky if they had time to breathe.
Focus on 4-H strives for innovation and ingenuity in activities and events. This goal fuels the introduction of events such as the Growing Alberta Presentations Competition, which was won this year by Allison Miller and Leanna Risk from the Starlight 4-H Multi Club for their presentation on chocolate snowflakes.
"We were really happy with the turnout," commented Jocelyn McKinnon, 4-H specialist with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. "The six teams entered put so much effort into their presentations highlighting a range of Albertan products - from canola to eggs and honey to trout fishing. It was all very impressive."
The activities were both creative and entertaining. The Canine in Costume portion of the canine show brought applause and laughter. Erica Stables and her Border Collie Zipper, in their island-themed attire, took home Grand Champion. After asking how Zipper felt about wearing a bikini top, grass skirt and flower-adorned headband, Erica replied, "Well, at first he hated it, but we dressed him in the costume every day for about a week, and now he loves it!" The Canine Kennel award was presented to the Strathcona Rein Riders 4-H Multi for their Pirates of the North Saskatchewan themed display.
The 4-H members demonstrated singing, musical and skipping skills at the Talent Show. Seven clubs performed Musical Rides and were outstanding in coordinating their horses in drills and dances. During the Lip Sync competition, clubs demonstrated enthusiasm and coordination. The Lobstick 4-H Beef and Multi, doing their rendition of Macho Man, took home first prize for the fifth time.
Other events included:
- the second Focus on Safety Bike and Tractor Rodeo
- the Goat and Sheep Show - a variety of events from showmanship to obstacle, conformation and costume classes in sheep and goat projects
- the 4-H Face-Off Mystery Race that included a jigsaw puzzle, mascot construction and an obstacle course
- lifeskills workshops and bench show where 4-H members displayed projects made during the year including photography, crafts, quilting and cakes
- FCC judging competition challenged 4-H members in judging eight classes: three livestock classes - beef, horse, dairy; and five 'at-the-beach' classes - towels, lawn chairs, coolers and lunch, beach shoes and water toys
Top Overall Senior Judge was awarded to Kristina Szybunka of Cherhill 4-H Multi, top Intermediate Judge was Jill Finner, Edson 4-H Multi, and Junior Judge was Clara Philibert, Highridge 4-H Multi.
"This year members from 12 clubs participated in the Northwest Beef Heifer show," says McKinnon. "The beef committee spiced up the show with a costume class, and Dakota Fouillard, Strawberry 4-H Multi, was named winner of the Beef costume with her theme of 'Holy Cow.' New this year was the beef marketing class where members were paired-off and asked to prepare a presentation to sell an animal to a team of judges. Sara Johnson of Genesee 4-H Multi won the aggregate Herdsmandship Award. Genesee 4-H Multi also won the beef stall award."
The members from the 19 clubs participating in the Focus on 4-H Regional Horse Show experienced three full days of competition in 88 level-based classes. Ribbons and specially drawn prints specific to each class, were awarded. Fifty-seven members entered Stationary Roping and 118 entered in Trail. The highly sought after prizes for Horse Stall Decorating were awarded to Gibbons 4-H Light Horse for larger clubs, to RQB Rancheros 4-H Multi for medium-sized clubs and Calmar 'Heart of the Country' 4-H for small clubs.
Focus on 4-H displayed the wide range of options and projects that exist within 4-H and established itself as an event that can be used to fuse the rural and the urban projects that occur. Horse projects, crafts, goats and sheep, canine, beef, photography and woodworking were just some of the many interests represented.
The support and sponsorship from Northlands Park in Edmonton and all other sponsors are appreciated by all 4-H members and clubs.
For more information on 4-H, the Northwest region or Focus on 4-H, call Jocelyn McKinnon at (780) 674-8250 or visit the 4-H website.
Contact: Jocelyn McKinnon (780) 674-8250 |
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