Amberley celebrates farm life with bumper show
The heart of a rural New Zealand goes on display this Saturday as the best of farming life comes together for the 115th Amberley A&P Show.
Showcasing the finest animals, best handlers and most mouthwatering foods the Amberley region has to offer, the show promises to be a carnival of colour and community spirit – and the ideal chance for new residents of the burgeoning district to get amongst the action of rural North Canterbury.
Sheepdog trials start the day early at 7.30am, with ponies and miniature horses joining the fray even before the big marquee opens at 9am.
At 10am, the action kicks up a gear with wood-chopping, highland dancing and the all-important judging of pet lambs.
It’s not long before master classes in butchery and cooking get underway. This is an area townies should pay attention to, says Amberley Agricultural and Pastoral Association secretary Ann Harper.
"Farmers can get really ticked off when they produce a really good cut of meat and a housewife spoils it with their cooking," she says.
Demonstrations on how to "bone out a beef" and commentaries on the different cuts of meat will be followed by the chance for visitors to sample some of the finest red meat in North Canterbury, and indeed the world.
The best wines of the Waipara region will be celebrated at a prizegiving for the Alpine Pacific Wine Challenge, and food stalls will be serving whitebait patties, kebabs, hotdogs, candyfloss and everything else kids need to get messy in classic A&P fashion.
"You name it, the food is there," Ann says.
"There’s something to watch all the time. It’s a really full day."
After lunch – but before show jumping – comes the grand parade. The victory lap for the day’s prizewinning animals serves as the highlight for many farming children.
Ann says the pride children take in the animals is a joy to see. "It’s absolutely lovely with all the little kids with their pet goats and pet sheep… just priceless."
Carnival rides, vintage machinery, photography displays and other examples of life from the region will help fill out Amberley Domain, on Douglas Rd.
Memories of the day can be preserved at a photo booth where pictures will be taken free of charge, courtesy of Mainpower.
Ann says more than 3000 people attended shows in recent years and a similar turnout is expected on Saturday.
It is an important networking and socialising event for the area’s rural folk, she says.
"After a tough winter – a very dry winter – the show is an opportunity for the farmers to come along and chat and have a bit of a gossip."
For people new to Amberley, it’s a chance to strengthen ties with a close-knit and welcoming community.
The Amberley A&P Show is held at Amberley Domain on Saturday October 29 from 7.30am until late afternoon. Tickets cost $10 for adults and entry is free for children. Eftpos is available at the gate but cash is advised once inside.