Central Otago’s A&P Show will celebrate its 125th year this Saturday (February 11) and organisers expect it to be the best yet.

Show secretary Jennifer Huddleston said the last few days were “chaotic and crazy busy”.

“I’ve been putting in five, six or seven hours a day… along with our president Dayna, she’s putting in as many hours as me, she’s just all over it.”

 The “incredible” show committee is a driving force to make it happen, Jennifer said.

“It’s a huge amount of work leading up to the show…We’re here from Tuesday until the end on Saturday.”

Entry numbers are strong across all categories and sections including equestrian, where other A & P shows have struggled for numbers. 

“I'm baffled to be honest, we are at where we were back in 2021, it’s great.”

Show president Dayna Paterson said five new life members will be acknowledged for their contribution; Willie Donnelly, Lorraine Armstrong, Maureen Maxwell, Pauline Huddleston and Donny MacLean.

“[We’ve got] free children’s entertainment all day, face painting, bouncy castles, bikes, water walkers, and bungee tramp.

“The grand parade at 1pm, be there to watch this, it’s a great spectacle showcasing the best…then [there is] a polo match at 2pm which will be amazing to watch. Members from the New Zealand team will be playing.”

The polo match is on at the main ring from 2-3pm

The 125th anniversary show was set for last year, but was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions. 

For the first time the show will host a Royal Event home industry section. The winners in this section will be awarded the Royal Agricultural Society supreme champion medal and red, white and blue ribbon.  

The programme at Omakau domain (from 8am) includes horses, ponies, sheep, woodchopping, a fashion show, roving entertainers, polo, shearing and more.

Winning sheep at a prior A&P show

The first show was held on December 1, 1893. Tickets this year are $10 for adults, under 16 free. 

For more information click on the A & P Show button here.