Family fun for everyone
LOADS of free family fun is on offer at the Oamaru Showgrounds on February 27.
That’s where the North Otago A&P Association is holding its annual show — one of the longeststanding fixtures on the district’s calendar.
The action all starts at 8.30am on February 27.
This popular event has adapted yet again to changing circumstances.
This year the aim is to give children as many free activities as possible, association secretary Katrina Kelly says.
For starters, children have free admission to the show all day on the Saturday, and everyone gets in free to watch showjumping the following day.
A major new attraction for children is the Agri Sports Fun Challenge.
Teams of two in two separate age categories — years 4 to 6 and years 7 and 8 — can have a go at a range of rural challenges to be completed as quickly as possible.
The winning team in each section receives $200 cash, and there are prizes for second and third.
Entries — which are free — can be made by emailing oamarushow@xtra.co.nz and leaving the names of the two team members, their year level, and a contact phone number.
Free activities children can enjoy include a treasure hunt, lolly scramble, terrier race, animal obstacle course, and dog agility course. Free entertainment will be laid on in the form of live performances from Jae Bedford and his school of musicians, bubbles and balloons with local favourite Charlie the Clown, and a visiting juggler and musician from Dunedin.
Bouncy castles and a ride or two will also help to keep the children amused, and the Oamaru Veterinary Centre’s pet tent is always a drawcard.
Many from local schools have entered the art and produce sections that will be displayed under the grandstand, alongside entries in the adults’ homecrafts sections. Equestrian competitions will occupy the main ring throughout the show.
Mrs Kelly said this year’s entries were already double last year’s before the closing date.
Riders were coming from as far away as Christchurch and Arrowtown.
In the livestock sections, cattle would be coming from Christchurch to Gore and places in between.
The trades space has also increased, thanks to a good response from businesses.
‘‘We’ve got lots of new ones,’’ Mrs Kelly said.
She was impressed with their ‘‘incredible generosity’’.
‘‘North Otago businesses have just been amazing.’’
Plunket Electrical is still the show’s main sponsor.
Association president Peter Dodd, Mrs Kelly and the team of volunteers who spend countless hours making the show a success every year hope everyone will go along and enjoy the spectacle.
‘‘I’ve ordered a fine day,’’ Mrs Kelly said.