AP&I Show didn’t disappoint
The Horowhenua AP&I Show has a proud history of 114 years and last weekend it didn’t disappoint. I’m sure because it’s the closest rural event to Wellington and being held on the long Anniversary weekend it attracts a lot of families from the capital.
The animal nursery in its new location was a real highlight with kids able to hold pet rabbits and piglets and see a huge variety of animals. The woodchopping, sheep shearing and equestrian is always popular. I talked to a 15-year-old shearer from Pio Pio who is already shearing 400 sheep a day and earning $800 a day which is impressive. They reckon a full day’s shearing is the equivalent of running a marathon so while the money is great it’s back-breaking hot sweaty work.
The home industries section is full of home made baking and crafts and many of the organisers have been helping keep this category running for decades. Our children loved entering and competing against others their age.
The sideshows are always a draw card for kids and the Pirate ship and Hurricane seemed to create a lot of excitement and screams.
Tim Costley, who is the candidate for National, has a petition running to four lane the Horowhenua Expressway.
People were queuing to sign it at the Show. This pressing issue has given Tim a wonderful opportunity to meet hundreds of locals concerned about Labour’s inaction on this deadly section of state highway. People can’t believe they are paying more petrol taxes at the pump and yet Horowhenua has little to see for it. Tim also enjoyed his ride on our old vintage tractor in the Grand Parade.
Thanks to the organisers and volunteers for another great show. It takes a lot of planning and dedication to pull it off and of course the sunshine helped make for a really positive weekend. The Medieval market is coming up on Saturday, February 8 in Levin and worth a look. Same venue — same fun.