A & P Show a participation event

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 374, 19 February 1991, Page 7

A & P Show a participation event

Spectator numfc down, event entry numbers increased

Waimarino's 80th Agricultural and Pastoral Show saw more participation and less spectators than other years, and organisers were pleased with the weekend.

The A&P Show, held at the Raetihi Showgrounds, drew roughly a third less people than last year on Saturday and the same on Sunday. But horse entries were up, stock entries were similar and agricultural and home industries sections were up overall with many people entering for the first time. Run fun The Saturday moming fun run, a first for the show, drew about 36 runners including ultra distance runner Siggy Bauer who was first home, and the Mayor, Garrick Workman who led the runners out. Show secretary Bernice Frost said the run was a great idea and they plan to include it in next year's show, possibly starting from Ohakune. Siggy Bauer said the run has potential to draw large numbers of entries. He said the fun run format allows people to race without the pressure to win. Horse events saw an

excellent number of entries despite the event clashing with the annual Masterton show. "I don't think I've ever seen so many in the flat section," said Mrs Frost. She said there were also large numbers in the little horse sections. Mrs Frost said numbers of dressage and showjumping entries were up on last year, as well as the quality of entries. Sunday's riding was dampened by poor weather however, making the courses slippery. Of benefit to the show this year was the new gift lamb competition where competition entries are retained by the sponsors, Waitotara Meats, with the proceeds helping the Show funds. A feature of the sheep section was an Oxford Down ram which is one of five new breeds to New Zealand this season, according to Chief sheep steward Colin Allerby. He said the overall standard of sheep

shown was high. Only two classes of cattle were judged though numbers were good. Featured were the Santa Gertrudus breed. Homebrew New this year was a homebrew and homemade wine section which was popular, with 10 homebrews entered and 13 wines. The only stout entered took first prize, scoring 28 out of a possible 30. The children's pets section saw about 16 entries covering dogs, kittens, goats and guinea pigs. All competitors in this event won ribbons.