Show celebrates the rural sector
PALMERSTON is the place to be on February 8 and 9.
The annual Palmerston & Waihemo A&P Show is filling the showgrounds with activities celebrating the district’s rural sector.
But that’s not all. A Car Show had been added to the Sunday lineup, enticing all vehicleowners to display their pride and joy.
This year’s show marks 155 years since the Palmerston & Waihemo A&P Association was established.
‘‘We value the traditional competition among farmers in sheep, fleece, and cattle sections, but we also include llama, alpaca, donkey and mule classes,’’ association secretary Maria Barta said.
A special lamb class is judged on the highest combination of average price and weight of the first lamb draft.
‘‘It would be great to have increased entries in all sections and show everyone your prize stock,’’ Mrs Barta said.
Another new attraction for the 2020 show is the Eastern AgriFun Event, in which schoolaged children can test their affinity with farmingrelated tasks and gear. With free entry and prizes on offer, this is expected to be a popular drawcard.
Children can also enter the Pet Parade, which has become a highlight of Saturday’s programme; the Hobby Horse Race; and many competition classes, which are displayed in the hall. The show schedule contains details of sections open to children from preschool to 16 years.
Loads of entertainment is laid on to amuse children and adults alike. The vintage machinery always makes for a fascinating display, and trade and food stalls will tempt everyone to try new products as well as all the old favourites.
Inside the showgrounds hall, the walls and tables will be festooned with the finest produce, textile crafts, and baking, produced by local residents for the Garden and Gallery competitions.
Alongside them are hunting, shooting, and fishing displays and the workbench, where arts such as woodturning are demonstrated.
Back out in the show ring, equestrian events (which are a mainstay of the show) will award ribbons, trophies, prizes, and garlands in ridden, led, and jumping classes.
The Car Show, Sunday’s main activity, is open to entries on the day but earlier registration would be appreciated. Entries cost just $1 per vehicle.
‘‘So make sure you’re at the Palmerston Showgrounds on 8th and 9th February,’’ Mrs Barta said.
‘‘Better still, be a competitor!’’