Sights and sounds of the show

This year, the Taranaki Toughest Firefighter competition will return bigger and better than before. Watch the area’s top men and women firefighters compete in this thrilling event, which consists of carrying a 70mm bandoleer hose up a 3-storey scaffold, then pulling up a rescue line using a hand-over-hand tactic before running back down, hitting a keiser machine, running an obstacle course and finishing by picking up a charge hose and dragging a dummy.

Make sure to catch the Central North Island Wajax Competition, a new addition to the show this year. Rural firefighters will split into four-person teams, which will be timed in three events: one Standard Wajax run with the Wajax firefighting pump, two Replacement length Wajax runs, and three Replacement length Tohatsu pump runs.

On Sunday, the kids can try their own firefighter fitness challenge and Wajax competition.

Live music from Taranaki artists will be also be featured, with everything from acoustic originals to rock covers. The line-up includes four-piece rock band Serious Happiness, three-piece rock band Feelgood Beatdown, trio Gypsy Blue, Dan Marks, Ian Wallace, Emily Riordan, Liana Hart, Rory MacDonald and Crystal Star. Listen to the sweet sounds while chilling out and enjoying the delicious foods from many cultures on offer.

Shears and axemen

Hosted by Stratford A & P Show for the first time, the change from a March event to November will make the Taranaki Shears competition available to many overseas shearers.

Always popular with the crowds, come and see 60-plus shearers in action on Saturday only.

The Taranaki Axemen wood chopping competition is back with team events, singles and doubles in standing and underhand chopping, and sawing races over this two-day event at the Stratford A & P Show.

All the events are great to watch, but the Tree Championship is a must-see! Running as two heats, chopping will start around 11am and 1pm with the final event being held on Sunday around 1pm. Also don’t miss the Brian Herlihy Memorial 300mm Open Standing, held Saturday around 2pm.

A show to be proud of

Through changing times, the A & P Show has been a much-anticipated event by locals and those from further afield.

‘‘The association is delighted with the turnout in recent years, with people coming from all over Taranaki for the

109-year-old event,’’ show committee president Ian McCaul says.

‘‘Many urban people don’t have so much to do with rural life these days. Urban kids live in a different world, with so much on, and technology a big part of their lives, and it’s great to see them experience rural activities.

‘‘We aim to cater for everyone, for the children, attractions such as McDonald Farm Barn and Kids Zone, teenagers love the rides, adults enjoy the trade and craft exhibits and farmers enjoy the animal competitions.

‘‘Getting a fine day for the show is all important, fingers are crossed,’’ Ian adds.

Show secretary Vicki Jagersma says: ‘‘This event is only a success with the support of many volunteers and thanks goes to the committee, judges, stewards, recorders and many others for their efforts. Thank you also to all our sponsors.’’

The show opens on Friday November

23 with equestrian events, while the big public days are on Saturday November 24 and Sunday November 25 from 9am-4pm.