The rally is a tradition for Quebec 4-H and it’s an opportunity for all the clubs to get together annually. Participants between the ages of six and 25 get to display all of their projects and things that they’ve been working on all year.

Some of the activities included . . .

showing the different animals, cows, horses, sheep, and rabbits. There was a banquet and a square dancing night for the kids to enjoy as well. And awards, lots of awards given out for showmanship and life skills. This year’s event had about 100 projects to be shown and about seven different clubs came out.

“I love our model, which is ‘learn to do by doing,’ it just teaches them to experience whatever projects anything that there’s a passion for, 4-H will create a project for them to learn hands on,” said Jacqueline Morrison, executive director for Quebec 4-H.

She highlighted that what the club offers is a sense of community for youth living in rural areas as well as the extra learning that they don’t necessarily do in school.

“I love seeing the excitement, and just the joy they get from being part of 4-H,” said Morrison.

The Equity spoke to Alex Mayhew who had just finished showing his dairy cow. “I love the showing part. It’s stressful getting ready. But it’s fun when you’re in the ring and if you get picked first. You’re just jumping with joy. You’re so happy,” said Mayhew.

The president of 4-H Shawville, Reese Rusenstrom said it was a great time for her to reconnect with friends and see folks she hadn’t seen in over a year. She was showing her cow at the rally.

“I really like working on the animals and working as a team like with the club. It’s like a team sport,” said Rusenstrom.

Gillian MacDougall, the local Shawville leader, highlighted that being part of the rally for her is so neat because she enjoys seeing the older kids teaching and sharing their agricultural knowledge with the younger ones. It’s especially near and dear to her because she grew up participating in 4-H and it’s where she met her husband. This year two of her kids were also showing, she added.

“It’s just so nice to come together and see people again and like having the 4-H community back together,” said MacDougall.

She highlighted that although it was a smaller crowd than usual, everyone was happy to be there and everyone was helpful and engaged all weekend.

“I’m thankful to everybody who’s come out to the community for all the support. And it’s just great to see and have people participating again. So it’s generally about a four-year rotation, so hopefully, we’ll be back in Shawville again for rallying in four years. With a bigger crowd,” said MacDougall.

President of 4 H club in Shawville, Reese Rusenstrom was at the rally with her cow.

Eloise Thompson and Rosie McCann standing in the ring during showmanship with their goats

Laura Mayhew during showmanship with her rabbit.

Amy Sheppard waiting in line with her heifer Jennifer.

Eloise Thompson saddling up her goat for the costume contest.

Graham Vereyken holding his bunny Dandilion next to Gabrielle Keller and Mason Vereyken both petting bunny Luna.

Mason Vereyken and his show bunny Dandilion.

Rosie McCann gives goat Violet a scratch.

Warren Sally and his rabbit, Gryffin at the 46th annual 4-H rally that was held from July 14 to 17 at the Shawville Fair grounds.

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