West Coast’s Ag Fest set to be huge affair

THE countdown has begun for Ag Fest, the West Coast’s biggest event yet and possibly the biggest agricultural show in the South Island this year.

The rural festival, which is being held next Friday and Saturday, promises to be a massive affair, involving about 400 stallholders and at least eight huge marquees, all accommodated within gravelled roadways at the Greymouth aerodrome outdoor arena.

A crowd of upwards of 20,000 is expected for the twoyearly event, many travelling from other parts of the South Island for the event.

Coorganiser Andy Thompson said this year’s Ag Fest would be up to 30% bigger than had been planned for the original date in March, before it was postponed due to Covid19.

‘‘When we postponed it we thought we would be picking up the March event and putting it on. But because of the postponement, and the length of time, we were looking at a new event. We didn’t even know if our sponsors and exhibitors would stay,’’ Mr Thompson said.

But nearly everyone, bar a few exhibitors who left because the new dates did not suit, had stayed on board and had been joined by those from other regions displaced after similar shows were cancelled.

‘‘It’s like we have organised two events this year.’’

With the planning done, organisers now could only watch it grow.

‘‘The aerodrome goes from a quiet field to this massive tent city — you will not believe it. And we have always been really lucky with the support from our local communities. Whenever we had a problem, they have stepped up and supported us with some major issues.’’

Online preticketing sales had been ‘‘very strong’’ and gate sales would be available on the day.

Ag Fest started in Hokitika in 2012 and was held there every two years, before it was moved to Greymouth in 2018.

It is owned by Ag Fest West Coast Ltd, and its four organisers are the sole shareholders of the company. — Greymouth Star