The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Fest team has a few new additions this year, one of whom is no stranger to the annual festival.
Victoria Pitsiaeli has been at every single Country Fest held in the past 10 years, but now she's trading in her competitor status to be one of the coordinators who help bring the festival to life for its thousands of attendees each year.
As a member of the Golden Ears 4-H Community Club and Pitt River 4-H Lamb, Beef and Swine Club, Pitsiaeli had plenty of experience showing dairy heifers and goats, which earned her a vast collection of Country Fest ribbons.
And while she is proud to have placed year after year, that's not what she values most about her time participating in Country Fest competitions.
"I most of all remember all of the memories and the good times," said Pitsiaeli.
"The sense of community at the fair amongst the 4-H members and getting to spend time with members from other clubs that you don't typically see outside of the fair season is amazing. I also love connecting with visitors to the fair when they walk through the barns and chatting with them about animals and agriculture and all things 4-H."
The university student will now be able to help other kids make these same types of memories at this year's Country Fest, with Pitsiaeli becoming the new 4-H coordinator for the festival.
"4-H has always been a huge part of my life, and this fair means so much to me, so when I heard there was an opportunity to help out, I jumped at it," she said.
Pitsiaeli explained that Country Fest has the largest 4-H show in the province, with more than 260 members and 300 animals participating this year.
While she won't be showing a 4-H project for the first time since she was 8 years old, Pitsiaeli is still very excited for this year's fair.
"As I start to age out of the program, I'm always looking for opportunities to give back and help out with carrying on the 4-H legacy to the next generation and beyond."
The 4-H part of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Country Fest begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, with the dairy showmanship and calf placings.
Various 4-H events will carry on throughout the day, ending at 3 p.m., with more competitions also taking place on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A full schedule of 4-H events and other entertainment at this year's Country Fest can be found at www.mrpmcountryfest.com.
