Something for everyone at A&P Show
Central Hawke’s Bay’s annualA&P Showstarts today, leadinguptoshow day on Saturday.
It’s held at theCHBA&P Showgrounds, Mitchell St Waipukurau, with parking off River Terrace.
If you’re not sure where to go, follow the music and the screams ofwhirling thrillseekers as they spin andswoop on the popular andmuchanticipated MahonAmusementsrides.
If you’re of amore sedate frame of mind, you might prefer to ride on the Clydesdale-drawn cart. There’s ample food and drink available, from hot dogs and candyfloss to coffee and cakeamong a plethora of trade stands and stalls. There are dog trials in the shade of the poplar trees, withsometop local contenders putting their highly tuned sheepdogs through their paces in a fascinating insight into farming life. Slightly louder due to all the cheering — the shearing and wool handling competitions are fast and furious, with spectators shouting encouragement, shearers pushing themselves to their limits and the stopwatches whirring.
The horse events range from the beauty and grace of theshowhorses and ponies to the athletic prowess and speed of theshowjumpers. Some top national competitors will be gathering points towards next year’s Horse of the Yearshowand vying for ribbons and prize money.
There will be music, entertainment for the children, shady spots to sit, friendly faces and a chance to share timewith friends and family. Oncethemain showis over the trucks roll in with the big bulls for the evening event— the bullriding. This is part of the national bullriding circuit andthere will be top talent attempting to stay aboardsomeof NewZealand’s best bucking bulls. It’s a fitting endto CHB’s best attended annual event.