Outdoor events cancelled
South Otago A&P Show outdoor events tomorrow have been cancelled. The area next to the grandstand at the Balclutha Showgrounds was flooding by the nearby Clutha River. A show committee spokesperson said yesterday that the committee was still making decisions about the show’s format but that all outdoor events had been cancelled. However, several indoor events had been moved to the trades area in the nearby Cross Recreation Centre. This would include entertainment and the 50th anniversary event of the Show Queens. The home industry and pet section was going ahead as scheduled, along with the Young Farmer’s district contest in the cattle shed.
The southern A&P Show circuit has kicked off with South Otago on the weekend. In this series we ask show presidents what they love about their event.
Neil Kelly is the president of the South Otago A&P Show.
How long have you been part of the A&P Show?
I’ve been involved since 1981 and I became president last year. My wife was president for three or four years. It’s a small committee, so everyone has been president at some point or another.
What is it about A&P shows that you love?
The people and I like the competition, when I used to show the cows, meeting other competitors each year, meet old friends and neighbours as you walk around. The A&P Show gave our children the chance to compete with their lambs and calves, and taught them to be good losers or winners.
Describe your vision for the future of shows? What will be the big challenges?
The South Otago A&P Show has been going for 152 years and is still going strong. The biggest challenge is getting people to join and volunteer their time. Many people don’t get to go on farms, touch animals and know where their food comes from. It’s a good way for the people from the town to meet the country. Bovis has been a challenge too.
What is the toughest part of your role?
Trying to get all the jobs done with a small group of volunteers, the speeches and the weather.
Why did you join?
It was following family tradition. My parents were members and my wife’s dad was life member and competitor. It was a day out for us as kids. When we had pedigree cows we went as well, it’s good for the children.
What is your favourite memory of going to the show?
Picnics with the family as a child, and later leading the grand parade with the supreme champion cow.
What keeps people coming back to these events?
It’s a great family day out and something for everyone.
What prizes have you won at a show?
When I was 10, I won the second or third prize in pony trot. When I got married and had friesian cows, I won the most points in show. We won supreme champion cow and the kids had champion lambs.
❚ The South Otago A&P Show is tomorrow at the Balclutha Cross Recreation Centre, 18 Glasgow St.