Weather kind for Tokomairiro show

Cattle and calves walk in the grand parade as they make a welcome return to the Tokomairiro A&P...
Cattle and calves walk in the grand parade as they make a welcome return to the Tokomairiro A&P show on Saturday. PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE
After weeks of inclement weather, the organisers of 154th annual Tokomairiro A&P show were pleased the day dawned hot and dry on Saturday in Milton.

Show president Richard McElrea said while stall numbers were about the same as last year, he was very happy with the turnout.

"We were also very happy that over 160 horses came for the equestrian events.

"While sheep numbers were down a bit over recent years, the decision by the society to allow cattle back into the show after last year’s M. Bovis scare saw a good turnout," he said.

The Tokomairiro A&P Society is affiliated to the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) and ran the show under RAS rules.

There were 63 competition sub-sections covering equestrian, livestock, sheep, pets, home industries, dog trials, cattle and wool to keep the large crowd entertained.

Mr McElrea said home industries and children’s section were very well supported and the society was grateful for Lister helicopters donating the prize of a 20-minute helicopter ride for a lucky show family.

"Overall the show is hard to run and without the great support we receive from the community, the show doesn’t work.

"It needs a good blend between the town and the country. The highlight is walking around seeing people enjoying the day. When you see smiling and happy and having fun with a nice day, it makes it all worthwhile."

Visitor Jo Taylor said she found it a "nice community event and it was great to see the children and families out enjoying themselves."

A very busy Santa Claus said all the girls were asking for unicorns this year while the boys asked for cars and bikes.

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