DEER LAKE — Hundreds filed through the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex Friday and Saturday for the Humber Valley Agriculture Home/Handicraft Exhibition.
The event attracted spectators from across the province. Kids got to watch baby chickens hatch and seemed to get a kick out of the petting zoo that saw several farm animals on display. And both adults and kids alike enjoyed the numerous exhibits displaying the work of local folks.
However, the highlight of the weekend was the livestock competition. Local and provincial entrants entered various levels and showed off their skill handling cows, walking with them and controlling them.
Destiny Barnes and her cow came from Trout River to compete and garnered a fourth-place finish in her division.
“I love cows, I love being around them,” she said. “You can learn a lot from doing these competitions.
Jessica Greening of Musgravetown said it can be challenging working with farm animals, but also extremely rewarding. This is her second year showing, and she said each cow has its own personality.
“How difficult it can be depends on the personality of the cow you’re working with,” she said. “But it’s very rewarding, it’s something really that can give you a lot of pride in yourself, but if you’re impatient you shouldn’t do it.”
Howard Morrey of St. John’s is with a 4H club that includes members from the Kilbride and Goulds areas.
He said there is something to be said for providing kids with the chance to work on something farm related in this day and age.
“How many kids think milk comes from a milk carton?” he said. “A lot of them don’t realize there’s a whole industry behind it and this can help teach them everything behind agriculture.”
Morrey feelsd too many kids view the Internet and television as their only source of recreation, and by working with animals it teaches them patience and respect for living creatures.
On Friday night, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee award was given to Sam and Pearl King in recognition of their efforts at the Deer Lake food bank. Humber MHA Dwight Ball presented the award.
