The 67th Annual Williams Lake 4-H Show and Sale once again celebrated the dedication and achievements of young people across the Cariboo region. From July 31 to August 4, more than 160 youth from nine 4-H clubs came together at the Williams Lake Stockyards to present the results of months of hard work. The event ended with a standing-room-only sale and over 50 buyers joining online.
At the opening ceremony of the sale, Chief Willie Sellars of the Williams Lake First Nation spoke to the crowd. He expressed pride in the strong representation from local communities and praised the program for its positive influence on young lives.
Speaking for the WLFN 4-H Club, Sellars shared how meaningful the program is. He said it teaches valuable skills that help shape the future of the youth. He also thanked the local government for their strong support, noting that the Williams Lake and Cariboo region is among the best in the province for 4-H.
Sellars highlighted how the event not only builds skills but also brings joy. He mentioned the fun atmosphere at the dance held the night before, where older members looked out for the younger ones, helping them enjoy the experience and encouraging them to return in future years.
Fred Stafford, a former district leader for 4-H, also spoke at the event. He reflected on his own time in the program and marveled at how much it has grown. He recalled earlier years when 75 to 80 members was considered a strong turnout. Seeing more than 160 this year, he said, was a sign of how far the program has come.
Stafford also addressed the buyers in attendance. He assured them they could expect top-quality livestock, raised with great care by dedicated youth. He praised the members for putting in their best effort and said buyers could be confident in the work behind each animal.
Throughout the day, Stafford spoke with many of the young participants. He said their excitement for the sale was clear and he admired how each of them truly embraced the 4-H motto: “Learn to do by Doing.” He congratulated all members on their dedication and effort.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Rayel MacDonald Memorial Swine Award. This year’s winner was Deqlen Johnny of the Canim Valley 4-H Club. The award, established in 2012 by Sam and John Purdy, was presented by Connie-Lynn Stafford. It recognizes excellence in swine projects and honors the memory of Rayel MacDonald, a former 4-H member.
The Williams Lake 4-H Sale continues to be a major event for the region, bringing together youth, families, and the broader community. It offers a chance to celebrate the hard work and growth of young people while reinforcing the importance of leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.
Each year, the event also provides an opportunity for the public to support the future of agriculture in British Columbia. With strong attendance both in person and online, this year’s show proved once again that the 4-H spirit is alive and thriving in the Cariboo.
The 67th edition of the event not only displayed well-prepared livestock but also highlighted the values and friendships that make the 4-H program so meaningful to the youth involved. As families and supporters cheered during the final sale, the commitment and pride shown by the young members stood out as the true highlight of the event.
