Ag Days will host a special event launching a year of celebrations leading up to next year’s 100-year celebrations for 4-H in Canada.

The official launch announcing the start of these activities is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 during Ag Days, organizers say in a release.

4-H got its Canadian start as the Boys and Girls Club in Roland in 1913. “A number of initiatives are in place both in Manitoba and across the country to promote the events being planned; and to reconnect with alumni of all ages whose lives were shaped by the 4-H movement,” a release says.

The media launch will take place at the 4-H display in the UCT room of the Keystone Centre involving the provincial minister of agriculture, the presidents of the 4-H Manitoba and Canada councils and representatives from the 100th Anniversary national sponsor — Enbridge. The official anniversary kickoff will feature a race between a 4-H member and the minister to complete a puzzle-style illustration incorporated into the display.