Prepare to be ''well entertained, well fed and probably exhausted'' by two big events on the Taieri this weekend.
Otago Taieri A&P Society secretary Cate Edgeler, of Mosgiel, invited people to the public show day on Saturday to experience the Taieri showgrounds ''packed'' with fun family activities.
Children's entertainment at the show will include magician Jonathan Usher, musician Mr Yippity, a competition with children operating mini diggers, carnival rides, free face painting, balloon tying and a pet zone which will have alpacas.
The family events at the show include a large display of trucks, Highland games, including the caber toss, a dog agility display, terrier racing and a pet show.
The show also includes competition schedules for beef, dairy, sheep, goats, wool and equestrian.
''We have loads of trades and market stalls and a very full food court. By the time you make it around, you'll be well entertained, well fed and probably exhausted,'' Mrs Edgeler said.
The annual show had been going for 157 years and was continuing to bring ''the town to the country''.
She was not concerned it was being held on the same weekend as the Brighton Gala, because the gala was on the Sunday and the show's public day was on Saturday.
The two events were ''completely different''.
The public were welcome to watch the full day of equestrian events on the Sunday free of charge but all the stallholders would be gone.
''It's just the horses and our cafe.''
Brighton Gala Day co-organiser Colin Weatherall said the annual gala day on Sunday was in its 21st year.
The three stages at the event would have children's entertainment including Jonathan Usher, Mr Yippity and Ronald McDonald.
The armed offenders squad, Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter, the Fire Service, police, St John and Red Cross would all mount displays.
''We run it for the community and many charitable organisations come and raise money from the day.''
Mr Weatherall estimated more than $50,000 would be raised for the charities at the gala.
There was no entry fee but members of the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club would be collecting gold coin donations at the gate.
The nearly 200 stalls would include 30 food stalls.
Several carnival rides would include a ferris wheel.
More than 10,000 people were expected but if the weather was sunny the organisers were prepared for up to 15,000 people.
As the A&P Show's public day was Saturday, and many of the same stallholders and entertainers attend both events, Mr Weatherall considered the two events to be ''compatible'' rather than going ''head-to-head''.
The gala would run, rain hail or shine.
''We are looking forward to a big community fun day.''
