Once again local youth, their families and supporters made the Williams Lake and District 4-H Show and Sale a success.
Proof of the popularity and endurance of the 4-H program in an agricultural region such as the Cariboo Chilcotin, was the fact it was the 66th annual show and sale.
From Thursday, Aug. 1 to Monday, Aug. 5 the youth and their families camped at the BC Livestock Producers Co-op Association at the Williams Lake Stockyards.
The Big Lake, Canim Valley, Chimney Valley, Highland, Horsefly, Lone Butte, Rose Lake Miocene, San Jose, Springhouse and Williams Lake First Nation clubs all participated.
Williams Lake First Nation elder Virginia Gilbert welcomed everyone during the opening ceremony before the sale Monday evening, Aug. 5.
"It is nice to see everyone here enjoying themselves and looking after their animals," she said.
She referenced the Chilcotin River landslide and subsequent funding and prayed for the river.
"We live in a beautiful country that we all enjoy," she said.
Ireland Kershaw of Horsefly 4-H received the Rayel MacDonald Memorial Swine Award, started in 2012 in memory of Rayel by family friends Sam and John Purdy.
Kelly Carson spoke on behalf of the parents of 4-H youth saying his own children have been involved with the Chimney Valley 4-H Club for nine years.
"I am honoured to be here," he said.
He outlined two major accomplishments the program brings.
Members show admirable qualities and perseverance and the community with parents, leaders and the buyers keep the program running year after year.
Ross Stafford thanked the supporters who make the whole event possible each year.
"It is greatly appreciated," he said.
