Plenty on offer at 157th show
ONE of North Otago’s biggest annual events is being held for the 157th time.
The Oamaru Showgrounds are hosting the North Otago A&P Show from February 28 to March 1.
The main action takes place on a rare date — Saturday February 29. That’s when all the livestock classes are judged; the ring will be filled with equestrian competitions; entertainers will wow the crowds with everything from balloon creations to shearing shows; trade displays will entice showgoers with new products and services; hordes of entries in handcrafts, baking, and art will be displayed under the grandstand; appetising smells from the food and beverage stalls will tempt everyone to sample their wares; and contests aimed at involving as many people as possible will be held throughout the day.
The North Otago A&P Association is continuing to offer cattle classes. Secretary Katrina Kelly said it would be mindful of biosecurity requirements to safeguard against Mycoplasma
bovis, as it had done since the bacterial cattle disease was discovered in New Zealand.
‘‘We were one of only two shows in the South Island, the other being Canterbury, that did not stop showing cattle,’’ she said.
A new poultry section has been added to the livestock attractions for 2020.
The show’s rural roots are to the fore in its headline entertainers — country singer Jody Direen and Waitomo’s Billy Black Woolman.
The latter is a former shearer and the joint holder of a world shearing record who has become an educational ambassador for the wool industry. His Kiwi Culture show (incorporating logsawing, explosions, and live sheep and pigs) promises to have everyone laughing and some trying to shear a sheep.
Billy Black Woolman’s shows are on from 12.30pm until 1pm and 2pm until 2.30pm.
Jody Direen is on stage from 11.30am until 12.30pm and again from 2.30pm until 3.30pm.
Magician Jonathan Usher, a popular children’s entertainer, will be back to show the crowds a trick or two. His shows are from 11am until 11.30am and 1.30pm until 2pm.
Local favourite Charlie the Clown will also keep the kids amused with his balloons and bubbles.
Other big events include the show princess contest at 10.15am followed by a performance by the Waitaki Maori Cultural Group at 10.45am.
The treasure hunt, digger challenge, lolly scramble, Show Princess Contest, and terrier race offer many opportunities for people to test their skills and win prizes.
Dog agility is being expanded from a demonstration in the main ring to an activity open to dogowners, who take their pet along on a lead. There is also a fancydress competition for the pooches.
An area by the woolshed is being saved for these new initiatives, which will run from 11am.
Perhaps the overall highlight of the show, the Grand Parade, is scheduled for 1pm.
A dog trial display straight afterwards will keep the crowds clustered around the main ring.
Mrs Kelly said entries in the school sections this year are ‘‘great’’.
‘‘Kakanui School and Glenavy are two new schools that have put in entries. Hampden School has put a lot in, along with Weston Playcentre, Weston School and Five Forks School.
‘‘The home school entries are strong again as well.’’
Saturday’s entry fees are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Under5s are free.
The Fridaynight carnival this year comprises sideshows running from 4pm. Entry to the showgrounds is free for the evening.
Sunday equestrian hunter and showjumping events have been added to the lineup, again with free entry for spectators.