A&P show back to its best

 

Blessed with perfect weather, the 139th Paparoa A&P Show was described by visitors as one of the best.

Kids and teens were well catered for with a multitude of attractions.

Record numbers came in the hope of winning one of 200 gate prizes, donated by over 30 businesses. The most valuable prize of an Onga Household pump, donated by McQuinn Pumps of Whangarei, was won by English tourists who donated it back to the Show.

Vincent and Luna Huang, new Chinese owners of the Paparoa Store and Show sponsors, came to their very first A&P Show. Both agreed the day “was very interesting indeed” and Luna in particular was now very keen to own a horse.

There were more equestrian, cattle and dairy goat entries than last year and the Indoor Section with its food exhibits, produce, arts and crafts and children’s entries was extremely well supported.

The number of stallholders increased by over 80 percent and so there was a wider variety from food to products and services.

A measure of the Show’s success was that several popular food stalls ran out of food, Mel the Coffee Girl had a record day and money taken out of the EFTPOS machine was up over 100 percent.

Regular events of wood-chopping, team roping and shearing attracted excellent crowds. Dog agility and miniature horses were of special interest and the main equestrian events benefitted from the new ring arrangements.

  For those who didn’t make it to the Show this year, put Saturday February 6, 2016, in your diary – the 140th Paparoa A&P Show promises to be very special.

- Elaine Christie