Best of the traditional with plenty of new
THE Oamaru Showgrounds are filling up for the 155th Plunket Electrical North Otago A&P Show this weekend.
The action begins at 10am on Friday with equestrian competitions, while the trades sites proffer the latest goods and services.
From 1pm, everyone is welcome to check out the home industries and schools’ entries under the grandstand. This area will be bulging with everything from children’s art to lavishly decorated cakes.
Entertainment is the main focus of the Fridaynight carnival. It kicks off at 5pm with the Hungerball Arena, pony rides for younger visitors, roaming performer Shad Rutherford, and the Emergency Services Combat Challenge.
The carnival rides are cranked up from 6pm to 9pm.
Two special events are worth targeting. The McKeown Group Ltd and Vet Centre Oamaru Charity Challenge is in the main arena at 6.15pm, with businesses competing against each other to complete a series of bizarre activities. The winner gets $1000 to donate to its charity of choice.
Plunket Electrical has already entered two teams.
At 7pm the arena is dedicated to the Emergency Services Live Action demonstration.
Saturday dawns with more equestrian contests and dairy cattle judging from 8.30am.
Sheep and dairy goat judging begin at 9am, then bagpipes herald the Highland dancing from 10am. Pet calves and collies are judged at 11am, followed at 11.30am by pet lambs and sheep.
For those less interested in animals, Miss A&P Show Princess contenders take the stage at 11am.
The Grand Parade at 1pm is the perfect chance to see what underpins the district’s economy.
Straight after the parade is the NZ Pet Foods Terrier Race.
At 1.45pm there’s a choice between watching a cow being milked and guessing how much she produces, and watching the decorated scooter contest be decided.
The North Otago Dog Agility Demonstration is scheduled for 2.15pm, and a new drawcard, the Animal Obstacle Course, is in the cattle ring at 2.30pm.
Head back to the arena for the McKeown Group Ltd and Vet Centre Oamaru Team Obstacle Course — similar to the Fridaynight contest, but this time open to family groups. Teams can enter on the day if places are still available.
The Rainbow Confectionery Lolly Scramble will delight masses of children at 3.45pm.
Stay until 4pm to find out if you’ve won the Lucky Gate Prize.
All day there will be live music played by Jae Bedford Entertainment, while Shad Rutherford roves around amusing the crowds.
The Vet Centre Oamaru Petting Tent will magnetise all animallovers.
Pony rides are another option.
The Johnson Gluyas Digger Challenge will raise funds for Hampden School, the Hungerball Arena is a chance to run off some energy, and the Treasure Hunt is a great way to explore the showgrounds.
Live demonstrations of woodturning, pottery, and spinning and weaving take place under the grandstand all day.
New sideshow operators Outback Amusements are on board this year, offering a variety of rides and other activities.
A&P Association secretary Katrina Kelly says competition information can be found on the show’s Facebook page.
The committee is thrilled by the support given by local businesses, many of which have donated generous sponsorship and prizes, she says.