Two fantastic days bring record crowds
The North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Show Association has celebrated 150 years with record crowds and entries and an official launch ceremony conducted by the Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
Association president Bryce Burnett said the show had two fantastic days.
``We had record entries in the cattle and sheep sections, great support from businesses in the trades space section and we have the Governor-General officially open the show on Friday,'' Mr Burnett said.
``It has been a wonderful event and from humble beginnings, the show has celebrated 150 fantastic years.''
Although gate numbers are yet to be finalised, Mr Burnett said they were certainly equal to last year, which were also at record levels.
``We had extra parking space this year and free shuttle buses, but parking was certainly at capacity, particularly on Saturday,'' Mr Burnett said.
Beef cattle judge Richard Martin, of Nelson, said the line-up of cattle in his section was some of the best he had seen anywhere in New Zealand.
``It has been a pleasure to judge at this show,'' Mr Martin said.
``The quality of stock has been outstanding.''
The supreme all breeds beef section exhibit was taken out by R&S Hayward, of Albury (inland from Timaru), with their Angus cow Twin Oaks Willa.
Twin Oaks Willa, led by Susan Hayward, was shown with a calf-at-foot, which was led by Olivia Hayward, 7.
A breed not previously seen at the show was the Pinzgauer.
The Pinzgauer originates from Austria and is listed as rare.
Bridget and Jackson Lowry, from Gore, showed two animals in this section which is new for the North Otago A&P Show.
Timaru border Leicester exhibitor Rodger Caird was rewarded for his efforts when his two-tooth ram exhibit won the JH Thompson trophy for the champion ram, the Fulton Memorial Cup for the best sheep of the show and the Royal Agricultural Society Medal for excellence.
``It's great to see the border Leicester doing so well against all other breeds,'' Mr Caird said.
``I have had a great show with my two-tooth ram.''
Although entries were slightly down in the horse section, the quality was excellent.
A highlight of the horse section was the spectacular sight of the three-horse team of Erewhon Clydesdales and their wagon.
Two great days at the show culminated in the ``race for the rabbit'' terrier scramble and the grand parade which provided an opportunity for patrons to see all the stock presented in centre ring.
The final word goes to the outgoing president Bryce Burnett who said: ``Thanks to every one who helped celebrate 150 fantastic years.''
