President looking forward to show
SCOTT Johnston encourages the whole community to go along to this year’s Plunket Electrical North Otago A&P Show.
‘‘We’re looking forward to running another show. We welcome everyone.’’
Mr Johnston is in his second year as president of the North Otago A&P Association. He took over from Matthew Miller, the first president to serve two consecutive years, and will hand over to senior vicepresident Kiri Ballantyne next year.
Mr Johnston’s neighbour, John Dodd, recruited him into the association about seven years ago. He has never entered his livestock in the show, although he has taken part in ‘‘hoof and hook’’ lamb competitions.
The association is keen to enlist new volunteers, he says. Some of the stalwarts have already put in many years’ service and it would be nice to lighten their load.
He recommends people check out the wide variety in the trades space, admire the animals and equestrian skills, and spend time under the grandstand.
‘‘A section that is especially strong, and growing, is the schools’ entries. They’re massive.’’
Last year, once everything had been set up for the show, Mr Johnston could view the whole enterprise.
‘‘What really did impress me was under the grandstand. I was really taken with it. I was completely on my own, before the public came in.
‘‘It was pretty spectacular.’’