South Suffolk sheep to shine at A&P show
Some of the top equine competitors and prettiest sheep are coming to town.
Southland A&P president Paula Bell said the show attracts some of the country’s top equestrian riders and show jumpers while the Southern South Suffolk Breeders Club have chosen it as their feature show this year.
There’s even a hobby horse race for those who don’t take the racing seriously.
But that’s just the tip of haystack, of course.
“There’s something for the whole family,” Bell said of the 154th show at Donovan Park in Invercargill this weekend.
Southland will also host the Royal Agricultural Society Southern Districts Premier Show this year, while the Heenan Small Engines Lifestyle Block has been locked in as a trade show and wee ones can enjoy a brand new event: Percy’s Straw Dig, where they can search for prizes hidden in hay.
Perennial show highlights include the Friday night market, the VetSouth Petville petting zoo, the grand parade, woodchopping, the Murihiku Strength Challenge and the XO Carnvial offering children’s activities.
Southland Riding for the Disabled is again offering horse and pony rides and local performers will entertaining crowds at the food court while bigger names will be on a the arena stage.
“The show continues to be a family tradition for many in Invercargill and across the Southland region, with thousands attending from all over, and to host this year’s premier show is the icing on the cake,” Bell said.
She particularly enjoyed the interactions between country and town, or rural and urban Southlanders at the show. The event always had a carnival atmosphere, Bell said, and the weather was looking good for a beautiful day, Bell said.
A staple of the show was the livestock shows, which also drew top competition, Bell said.
Southland A&P executive committee member Graham Calder said there would be about 45 pens of South Suffolk sheep on show tomorrow.
The South Suffolk Breeders Club chose a show to feature every year and given a large number of breeders in the South, it was their turn, he said.
“It’ll be quite a good display,” he said. Tickets for tonight’s market cost $2 while entry tomorrow costs $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens.
Children under 16 enter free and gates open at 9am.