WANAKA A&P SHOW

Another year, another record

ANOTHER year, another record attendance at the Wanaka A&P Show.

Now in its 80th year, the event attracted 45,000 rural folk and city slickers, with a few wideeyed tourists mixed in.

That was 5000 more than the record set last year.

Those not acquainted with rural life kept a close eye on the ground, trying to dodge any surprises left by one of the more than 2000 cattle, sheep, goats and horses which took part in the show.

Sheep shearing, wood chopping, candy floss, carnival rides, perfectly grown produce and everything else agricultural and pastoral were on display at the twoday event.

Former Dipton farmer and now Prime Minister of New Zealand Bill English was on hand to officially open the show.

Mr English applauded the skills, attitudes and the people at the show and said it was those attributes which gave New Zealand its edge in selling itself to the world.

‘‘This is a fantastic occasion because it celebrates the long and deep culture of success and primary production in New Zealand.’’

Mr English spent more than two hours at the show chatting with supporters, posing for selfies and judging the show’s very popular Jack Russell race.

The Topp Twins, Lynda and Jools, proved to be a hit on both days. Each of their four shows attracted more than 300 fans.

Show coordinator Jane Stalker said the show was a tremendous success.

‘‘It’s been a fantastic couple of days and we’ve hosted visitors from all around New Zealand, many of whom have come specifically for the show,’’ Mrs Stalker said.

Held at the Wanaka Showgrounds each year, the show was one of the largest agricultural events in New Zealand, bringing more than $10 million into Wanaka and the surrounding area each year.

The continuing support from the Upper Clutha community was also wonderful, Mrs Stalker said.

tim.miller@odt.co.nz

PHOTOS: TIM MILLER Chop off . . . Axemen Grant Campbell (front) and John Broughton go headtohead in a standing block cut during a wood chopping display.

Prizewinning pooch . . . Winner of the Best Pet award at the Wanaka A&P Show, Max gets a welldeserved rest with his owner, Charlotte Davie (9), of Clydevale.

Top talk . . . Prime Minister Bill English shares a joke with Topp Twins Lynda (left) and Jools, during the Wanaka A&P Show’s grand parade.

Starting young . . . Giving an Italianmade Frutteto tractor a onceover is Ryder Joyce (2), from Roxburgh.

Bulls on parade . . . Prizewinning cattle take part in the Wanaka A&P Show’s main parade. An impressive 117 cattle were entered in the show this year, more than double the usual number.