New competitions and traditional at Lake Hayes show

AGRICULTURE enthusiasts from around the Wakatipu Basin will gather in Queenstown tomorrow for the 104th annual Lake Hayes A&P Show.

‘‘It’s all about keeping it local’’ for this year’s show at the Lake Hayes Showgrounds, committee president Phillip Bunn said.

‘‘Once again the committee have been working hard to cre ate a great day out for all the family.’’

The popular pavilion competitions will include children’s, floral art, baking, lifestyle producer and other categories, including the new ‘‘blokes’’ section to test entrants’ No 8 wire skills.

Other additions to this year’s lineup include a new class in the sheep section for locals, ewe with lamb or lambs at foot, school pony classes and the home industries family competition to upcycle materials into a bird house or feeder.

The usual equestrian events and a grand parade will be held in the Stonewood Arena.

Equestrian steward Jenette Boyd said this year the park hacks and hunters competitions start at 8am and the ponies at 9am.

‘‘We’ve rejigged the stock and station classes. You still get to go over the obstacles, though.’’

All other events would take place in the showground and a Fashion in the Field contest would be held to find the bestdressed horses and handlers.

The agility pooches will return to perform for the crowd, along with the usual sheep shearing demonstrations and a new demo showing guests how to make and fit a horseshoe.

After the grand parade, a mass gumboot throwing competition and a tugofwar will take place.

A favourite among Scottish grandmas after his children’s book became a viral sensation last year, The Wonky Donkey man, Craig Smith, will be performing, as well as a pipe band and Wayne McEwan, the Magic Guy.

Organisers hoped for another sunfilled day after last year’s ‘‘scorcher’’.

The event starts at 8am. Tickets cost $10 and schoolchildren enter for free.