Call for period costume

Period costume will be the dress of the day at the 100th anniversary of Kaikoura’s A & P Show this Saturday.

Technically, the show began in 1906 and details are sketchy, but six years were believed to have been missed from 1910 to the 1920s as increasing railway activity denied access to the showgrounds.

Up to 800 mainly livestock entries were recorded for the first show held at the old recreation grounds and introduced by the first A & P Association president, Awingles, to improve stockmanship in the district.

More recently there have been fewer sheep, dairy cattle and other livestock with more events reflecting the greater township population, but the rural theme has continued, said president Justine Schroder.

‘‘The show has changed with the times because we are more of a township encroaching in the rural sector. The dairy cows don’t come to the show any more and we have a small sheep section, poultry and a farmyard corner with lots of pets and interesting animals. We have adapted with the times to keep the show modernised so we are not stuck in the past.’’

She said more events were tailored around vegetable growing, baking and preserves to encourage the community to become involved.

A large horse section continued with stock and station events designed around western riding and displays remaining popular to showcase horse skills. More than 2000 entries are expected at the show with numbers up because of the anniversary including a field of 30 to 35 sheep entries.

Schroder said participants would be encouraged to dress in period costume and a president’s prize would be awarded to the best dressed person representing the era of the first shows.

An old traction engine is being brought up from Canterbury for the anniversary show with other features including duck herding by dog trainer Don Stewart, a cooking display by chef Phil Keen and lumberjack speed climbing.