Sizzling summer suits Show

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 524, 22 February 1994, Page 1

Sizzling summer suits Show

Fine weather was a contributing factor in the increase in ticket buyers, competition entries and exhibitors at this year's Waimarino A and P Show held on the weekend. Over 1000 people visited the Raetihi Showgrounds during the weekend, this number well up on previous years. Topping the list of attractions at this year's event was a lucky number drop by a Wanganui Aero Works helicopter shortly after 3pm. The main prize of a mystery weekend for two at a Taupo motel (valued at $400) was won by Raetihi woman Vanessa Katene. Another drawcard was the presence of the Ulysses Motorcycle Club in the exhibitors' parade. More than 70 members of the club took part, with riders from as far afield as Wellington and Auckland. Riders stayed at the Raetihi Motor Camp overnight and ran a rally in the town to raise funds for the Waimarino Rest Home Trust. A record number of trade exhibitors and stall holders was recorded, with a noticable increase in the sheep and cattle sections. As well as agricultural, motor and banking exhibitors there were stalls by furniture businesses, cottage industries, clothing shops, ceramic specialists and food businesses. The good weather also contributed to an upsurge in flower entries, with numbers doubled compared to last year. Numbers were also up in the vegetable and children' s baking categories. Quantity may have been slightly diminished in the handcraft section, although quality was of a high standard according to steward Catherine Brown. Entries in the home-made wine section numbered just four, but judge Di Pritt said the quality was at a high standard. The winning entry by Harry Brown - a tangelokiwifruit combination - was a good example of homemade wine, she said. Numbers of horse and pony entries was slightly down on previous years but the calibre of competition was very high, said organisers.