What do guinea pigs, small engines and cattle have in common? Why, 4-H on Parade of course.

From May 29 through 31, 4-Hers from across the Calgary Region will descend on Stampede Park for the annual 4-H on Parade weekend and bring with them a variety of livestock, crafts and rural culture. Attending 4-H on Parade is a highlight every year for hundreds of 4-H members, their leaders and their families.

The organization’s motto of head, heart, health and hands will be displayed proudly alongside the 4-H cloverleaf as members showcase everything from rabbits and guinea pigs, beef and dairy cattle, small engines, sheep, goats, showmanship, agility dog trials, horse shows, computers and other life skills projects, including clothing and crafts.

“4-H is growing and adapting all the time. Traditionally 4-H was about cows, horses and sheep. The established livestock projects are still extremely popular but the collection of projects on show at 4-H on Parade display the diversity and range of interests 4-H now includes,” says Laurie Jacob-Toews, vice-chair of the 4-H on Parade committee.

Back this year, after a brief hiatus, the popular lip-sync competition will take place in the Victoria Pavilion in the Agriculture Building on Saturday evening.  “It’s a lot of fun. Clubs get a chance to compete with their best air-band skits in front of a packed house,” says Erin Bartlett, Calgary Stampede’s 4-H on Parade program coordinator.

4-H is known for developing leadership, communication, life skills, cooperation and fun all through the process of learning to do by doing. 4-H on Parade is a showcase of that philosophy, and demonstrates the family and partnership values 4-H and the Calgary Stampede are committed to.

“The atmosphere of 4-H on Parade is incredible. There is a noticeable sense of excitement with so many 4-Hers being together, competing and showing off the projects they have worked all year on,” adds Bartlett.

Canada’s largest gathering of 4-H members concludes with the sheep and steer sales on Sunday. Prospective buyers will not want to miss the opportunity to stock their freezers with quality products raised by Alberta youth. Also on Sunday, over a dozen photography project prints will be on sale as part of a silent auction.

An expected 600 4-H club members will attend this year’s event with almost 900 animals in tow. Admission is free to the public. For more information click here.