Town and country unite for show

Katikati Agricultural and Pastoral Show returns for its 99th year

A“celebration of our community” where town meets country returns to Katikati in February for the 99th Katikati Agricultural and Pastoral Show.

The Katikati A&P Show association committee is proud of the shows’ popularity and rich history, as well as their stickabilty — the show has had very few cancellations in its nearcentury history.

The most recent cancellations has been due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and last year’s event was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Their last show in 2020 drew a crowd of more than 4000 with 500 competitors with 77 trade sites. The committee have high hopes for their 99th show coming to Uretara Domain in February.

This time around the Katikati A&P Show includes a big focus on horticulture.

The Western Bay of Plenty is a horticultural hub so the addition of the industry aims to showcase this, highlight rural communities and to celebrate them after a tough few years.

President Katikati A&P Society president Louellen Davies describes the show as “more than ‘just an event’ — it is, and has always been, a celebration of our community”.

The committee promises the show will be a fun day for all, with plenty to entertain the entire family. Katikati A&P Show 2024 — what’s on offer:

■ Equestrian events

■ Home industries competition categories is held in the A&P hall and crafts, baking, garden produce, flowers and more (91 categories)

■ A new local horticultural aspect

■ Sheep racing and sheep shearing display, trained sheep

■ Alpacas

■ Donkey rides, pony rides

■ Woodchopping demonstrations

■ Dancing — Filipino group, Mural Town Line Dancing and lessons, highland dancing and Scottish country dancing

■ Children’s activities, puppet show, balloon twisting, colouring competition

■ Lolly scramble at 12.15pm in pony ring

■ Machinery, tractors, vintage and classic cars

■ Katikati Concert Band

■ More than 60 trade sites and food stalls

■ Hat competition (historical or contemporary)

■ Raffles, prizes and lucky ticket draw

Action packed sheep racing at Katikati A&P Show.

A variety of always-popular equestrian event arenas at the Katikati A&P Show.

Kathy Wills’ father Doug wielding an axe at the Katikati A&P Show sometime in the 1950s. The first show was in 1913.