The Omarama shearing contest, resurrected after four years, is firmly on track, with 87 entries for the event tomorrow.
A committee of five, chaired by Tara Hills' manager Greg Stuart, decided at short notice to bring the shearing competition back as the Waitaki Mackenzie Merino Shears.
It was to replace the Omarama Merino Expo, last held in 2004. That event went into recess because of a lack of organisers.
Mr Stuart was pleased yesterday with the number of entries, split evenly between the shearing and wool-handling.
All Black hooker Andrew Hore will be a special guest from about 10.30am.
"We started organising the contest so late we missed getting notice out in some publications. Once this year's event is held, the word will get around, and we will be back in the calendar, so entries will grow from there," Mr Stuart said.
He wanted the contest revived to promote quality in shearing and wool-handling, and to provide a chance for community groups to raise funds.
It would competitors hone their skills before the Merino Shears, in Alexandra the following weekend.
The shears starts at 8am tomorrow, with wool handling at the Omarama Station, and shearing heats at Tara Hills.
