A & P show to reach new heights
Entries for the 150th North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Show to be held on Friday and Saturday are at record levels in some sections.
Show secretary Barbara Watt said entry numbers in both the sheep and cattle sections are high.
"We have 400 entries in the sheep section, including some breeds which have never exhibited at the show before and new pens have been built to accommodate the extra stock," she said.
"The cattle section has a record number of 132 entries covering 10 different breeds, including one entry from the North Island which will compete in the Highland Cattle show on Saturday."
Horse entries will also include eight clydesdale horses, which were a major feature of the show in its early days.
Entries have also been rolling in for the home industries section of the show and trade space is almost at capacity level.
Mrs Watt said there will be four marquees; Vetlife with its live animal exhibits, Beef+Lamb New Zealand with cooking demonstrations, and two trade tents, plus the open air trade exhibitors.
"The squarecrow competition and the Spud in a Bucket have proved very popular and there are some terrific entries from the school children," she said.
Competitors at the 150th North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Show this Friday and Saturday will also have an extra incentive to take part in the event.
Four prestigious Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand (RAS) medals will be awarded - one each for sheep, horses, cattle and "under the grandstand" sections.
The medals, which recognise excellence, are usually only given singularly to a RAS show, but this year, the North Otago A&P; Society have four.
Mrs Watt said they are highly sought after and the show is very lucky to have four to award.
"Because this is our 150th , the four medals will provide an extra incentive for competitors.
The show will be officially opened on Friday afternoon at 3.15pm by the Governor General Sir Jerry Matapare.
He will arrive at the grounds at two o'clock and will be entertained by the children.
Following the official opening, The Governor-General and Lady Janine will meet and greet members of the public and will take a horse and cart ride around the grounds.
Friday's programme begins at 10am with the horse jumping and the day will include Games in the show ring, a kitchen fire demonstration, magician Jonathan Usher, Mr and Miss A&P;, Barry Hobbs and his incredible dogs and ducks and a demonstration by Search and Rescue.
Saturday's programme is jam-packed with action including classes for sheep, cattle, horses, goats, Shetland ponies, pet calves, pony trots and lots of children's entertainment.
The Master and Miss A&P; competitions will be decided, John McCabe, Barry Hobbs and Jonathan Usher will entertain, the terrier race will be run and won and the Grand Parade will take place at three o'clock and will be followed by a parade of vintage machinery and cars.
Shearing demonstrations will take place every hour on the hour in the woolshed and running continuously will be the bucking bull and the tug 'o' war.
