Falcons display entertains at field days
The skies above Feilding will roar during the Central Districts Field Days as a flock of falcons briefly descends.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons aerobatic team will perform at the country’s largest regional agricultural event on March 17 in Feilding.
The farmers’ paradise runs from March 15 to 17 and showcases the latest and greatest in the rural sector, from giant machinery to stylish unmentionables.
Tickets to the event, which attracts 600 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors each year, went on sale last week as organisers gear up for its 25th anniversary.
The air force will have a NH90 display on the ground, while its Black Falcons aerobatics team will pierce the air for 15 minutes, flying the T6-C Texan II. The aircraft will swoop to 150 metres at 370kmh.
A Harvard from the air force’s Central Flying School Historical Flight will also make a six-minute appearance, weather permitting.
Taking part in these types of events was a great opportunity to demonstrate the air force’s capabilities to the New Zealand public, air component commander Air Commodore Darryn Webb said.
‘‘Our people love getting out and interacting with the public. Describing what we do as an air force and demonstrating that in the air is a highlight of the job.’’
Fairfax events operations manager David Blackwell said the field days connected farmers and rural families with agri-tech and innovative products.
Over the past 25 years, the event had grown from a collection of marquees in a field to a nationally-significant event, he said.
In an uncanny turn of events, this year there will be 25 companies that have exhibited every year at Central Districts Field Days for 25 years.
In addition to the usual crowd favourites, such as the tractor pull, the National Excavator Championships and fencing competition, this year’s event will feature the New Zealand Army Band.
The army will also have its own display with troops, vehicles and exhibitions on display.
This year visitors will also be able to access free wifi at the main food court and hangout areas.
The event will also run shuttles around the campus for anyone that needs a lift. Blackwell said this would be aimed at young and old people, or anyone that had trouble walking.