North Peace District 4-H gets ready for biggest festival yet in 2025

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The North Peace District 4-H Club’s achievement days will be returning in July with its biggest showing yet. 

The 2025 North Peace 4-H District Achievement and Sale will be held at the North Peace Regional Park on July 5th and 6th, starting at 9 a.m. 

The event is for the District 4-H junior and senior club members, between nine and 19 years old.

4-H club members from Green Valley, Lakeshore, Prespatou, Silver Willow and Wonowon will attend the event.

Starting in the fall of 2024, all 4-H members purchased a young animal from a local producer to be raised for the festival. 

“They raise them at home, where they can be in control and in charge of their animals’ daily care,” said Angela Briltz, the district’s advertising coordinator.

“It is up to them, with guidance from their parents and leaders on proper animal husbandry and they are in charge of taking care of these animals.”

Briltz said this year’s event is “the biggest show yet” with 60 club members displaying over 100 animals, including over 50 beef animals such as steers, cow calves and heifers. 

“It helps young people prepare for their future by building leadership, citizenship and personal development skills,” said Briltz

“These skills help youth become productive, confident adults, who help make our community and country a better place to live.”

Other animals to be shown will include 24 sheep, 12 pigs, three dairy cows and one alpaca. 

Any money made from the sale of the animals will be given back to the club members so they can invest in their college funds. 

Felicity Drschiwiski, 4-H ambassador for the Peace region, said the event is different compared to previous years due to new additions, including a farmers’ market and a kids’ zone.

 “The kids’ zone will be run by some 4-H members and leaders and will just be a small area where the kids can play around safely,” said Drschiwiski.

The following shows will take place on Saturday, July 5th:

• The swine show is at 9 a.m.

• Sheep show at 10:30 a.m.

• Alpaca and dog shows at 12 p.m. 

• Small engine demonstrations at 1 p.m. 

• The beef show is at 2 p.m. 

On Sunday, July 6th, the following activities will be held:

• Beef show for conformation classes at 9 a.m. 

• Club’s awards at 2 p.m. 

• Dinner with friends of 4-H members at 4 p.m. 

The North Peace Regional Park is located at 15177 Rose Prairie Road.

More information about the free event can be found on its website.