Title: "Boissevain 4-H Zone Rally Celebrates 89 Years of Tradition with Community Parade and Competitions"
BOISSEVAIN — A parade through town ended at the Boissevain Ag Grounds on Friday afternoon, bringing 76 children from around the region to the Boissevain 4-H Zone Rally. The parade was part of the annual event, which marked its 89th year yesterday showing a healthy heartbeat for the longstanding tradition.
Bill Simpson, a local farmer, told the Sun that he tries to come down every year to support his family as they set down a path he once did. “I got three grandsons and a granddaughter and they’re all in the Boissevain beef club,” said Simpson. “Means a lot to me … I was a 4-H member at one time too.” Simpson is a cattle producer in the Boissevain area. He said the 4-H program is a great way for his grandchildren, between the ages of five and 13, to learn skills.
But it wasn’t just beef clubs at the event. The rally had a musical horseback ride, as well as competitions for children that included halter classes and horsemanship. A variety of clubs from the region travelled to Boissevain for the community event. The 4-H clubs list included Boissevain Beef, the Archie Light Horse and Pony Club, Boissevain Boots ’n Bits, Boissevain Home and Hobby, Deloraine Community 4-Hers, Killarney Beef Club, Goodlands Variety, and Southwest Saddles and Spurs.
While the event focuses on the kids, the stands were filled with parents and family members. Paul Bell told the Sun he has a granddaughter who rode in the musical ride. He’s proud to see how she’s developed, and showed up to show support. “She’s come a long way with that horse,” he said from the sidelines. “She only started training a year ago.”
Near a pen on the other side of the ag grounds, five-year-old Weston Walker blow-dried a cow named Maple Syrup. His aunt, Erin Maxwell, told the Sun he was making the cow look pretty, a part of getting ready for show and sales. It’s the boy’s second year of experience in “future 4-H,” she said, a denomination for kids too young to officially join the real 4-H. When Weston turns six, he’ll be able to join the beef club. “It’s good for the kids to learn stewardship of the cattle,” she said. “Learn to care for them and what they need to do that.”
Coral Meggison, who helped organize the rally, said the event is a chance to celebrate work over the year and for the kids to enjoy themselves. Mostly importantly, she said, it gives members a chance to meet others in the ag industry. “It’s mostly a fun day, but it builds on their teamwork … to come and connect with kids from other clubs, other communities,” she said. “They make connections.” Meggison said the event went well this year. There was still a good attendance in its 89th year, with nice weather and an excellent showing from the kids, she added. Looking to the future, she said organizers are thinking of doing something special for the 90th.
