Canada’s largest 4-H event at Stampede Park

It’s the largest 4H gathering in Canada, and it’s coming to Stampede Park on May 30 to June 1. The Calgary Stampede welcomes more than 600 young participants to 4-H on Parade, presented by Cervus Equipment, the crowning event of the year, representing months of effort and preparation for members to display their projects and talents.

4H provides young leaders with experience and mentorship in a broad spectrum of agricultural and life skills. The more than 800 projects will be shown, including farm animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, canine and life skills, plus life skill projects that range from archery, welding, photography and more. This year’s 4H on Parade features archery demonstrations on Friday and Saturday afternoons, a canine first aid clinic Saturday morning and the unique Cleaver Kids Program held Saturday afternoon.

Cleaver Kids is the fastest growing program at 4-H on Parade, growing annually to nearly 50 participants this year. This program is designed to get children under the age of nine excited about 4-H by interacting with animals and participating in life skills activities.

Auctions are expected to draw great crowds on Sunday at 4-H on Parade with exciting live auctions of the sheep and steer projects. This sale gives buyers a unique opportunity to buy livestock directly from their sellers, while also supporting Alberta’s youth who put their hard work into raising the animals.

Starting Sunday at 11 a.m., the live auction leads off with the auctioning of a charity lamb and steer. Clubs take turns raising these projects each year, and auctioning off the animals to raise funds for a charity of the club’s choice. This year the charity auction projects are donated by Foothills Sheep and the Irricana Beef and Multi Club. The proceeds will go to the Ronald MacDonald House in southern Alberta.