Still have your 4-H T-shirt, hat or necktie? How about wearing it for an “old 4-H uniform” parade at 2013 summer fairs?

That’s just one idea for how agricultural societies might join in the celebrations when the Canadian 4-H program celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.

It’s not too early to begin thinking about ways to include 4-H’s anniversary celebrations in next year’s fairs, said provincial council representatives in a short address to the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies (MAAS) recently.

The 4-H program and summer fairs have long been linked, making the agricultural fairs a key place to showcase the program and its century of achievements, said Manitoba 4-H council president Trevor Carlson.

“Ag societies have been a huge part of the success of the program not only in Manitoba but across Canada,” he said. Clubs and area councils are also being encouraged to start planning events, added Carrie Elliot president-elect.

“We’re encouraging lots of local and regional celebrations,” she said.

Manitobans and the rest of Canada heard more details of the 4-H anniversary when national and provincial 4-H program representatives did a media launch at Ag Days in Brandon.

4-H began in Canada as the Boys and Girls Club in Roland in 1913.