A large crowd of locals and out-of-towners attended the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Central Otago A&P show at Omakau on Saturday (February 11), enjoying the sunny day, watching competitors and checking out the variety of displays. 

Competitions ranged from the high speed equestrian events to home industries (including flower arranging and baking), sheep and fleeces, shearing and wood chopping. 

Ruby poses with her pony after a successful ride.

Ruby Caneron (12) took third place in the 90cm show jumping, saying “the day has been really good so far. My ponies have been really good, too.” 

The equestrian events were a main source of entertainment, but other highlights included stalls selling goods of all kinds, vintage car and farm machinery displays, and the Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band. 

Sheena takes a break from entertaining the crowd with the pipe band.

Sheena Michie, a player in the band, said the Central Otago show “is one of the pipe band’s favorites on the pipe band calendar”.

The band led the march of the A&P show’s parade - another highlight for the crowd - as animals and vehicles gathered in the main arena. 

Spectators Tina Bungard and Adele Riddle have been involved with the A&P shows over many years, and Tina has competed and attended the A&P shows for the last 35 or so years. 

Adele and Trina, A&P show veterans, had high praise for the 2023 event.  

“This is always a good show, a real country show, and a real community event,” Tina said. 

“This show always has fair judges and the show caters for everything. It truly is town meets country.” 

A family-friendly area catered for children with bouncy castles and trampolining, face painting, and a mini petting zoo thanks to VetLife. 

“It’s absolutely amazing seeing everything come together celebrating the 125th anniversary with phenomenal competition and turnout,” Central Otago A&P Association secretary and event organiser Jennifer Huddleston said.

The event was a resounding success and possibly the biggest event for Omakau to date. The challenge now is to repeat that success in 2024.

PHOTOS: The Central App