Best in 20 years

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 232, 23 February 1988, Page 21

Best in 20 years

Rain and cold temperatures failed to dampen the carnival atmosphere of this year's Waimarino A and P Show, described by organisers as the best in over 20 years. Billed as the Super Show and promoted as a Waimarino day, it attracted close to 1000 spectators in the course of the weekend, according to one of the coordinators. "We made up our minds when we had to cancel the show last year that we would, this year, have a brighter and better A and P show - it proved better than we had hoped," said coordinator Jim Frost. Mr Frost said this year's show steered away from the largely horse and produce related events of former years and instead focused on the wider community. This was largely evident in the stalls and displays by local businesses and associations, including Turoa Skifields, Waimarino Deerstalkers, karate and marae groups. Thirty to forty large tents donated by the Army for use on the day were utilised and filled to the brim with arts and crafts, foodstuffs, clothing and leatherwork. Side show rides and activities proved ever popular with the youngsters who, despite the rain, queued for the miniature ferris wheel and fun castle. Next year's show promises to be even better with the Waimarino's annual shearing circuit event to be held in the showgrounds on Sunday. Organisers anticipate large numbers of supporters and that the spectator appeal of the event will swell numbers at next year's A&P Show.