Organisers of the South Otago A&P Show say the absence of show queens from the 158th annual event tomorrow is just a temporary blip in the competition’s long history.
Show secretary Heather Dudfield said the competition team had not been able to muster enough contestants by the deadline last week, making it wiser to regroup and make next year’s show queen event "bigger and better than ever".
"It’ll be a bit of an absence, but we still have a show jam-packed with entertainment and events for all tastes this weekend that’s sure to put a smile on showgoers’ faces."
A sunny forecast should bring out the crowds.
"We always plan for all weathers, but our visitors love a sunny day to wander the showgrounds with family and friends, and enjoy an ice-cream and picnic together."
The show would have three award-winners this year.
"We’ve got local girl Pippity Pop, award-winning international balloonologist; Magic Guy Wayne McEwan is coming up from Invercargill, fresh from winning the Top Children’s Entertainer Award at the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Awards; and the multi-award-winning Fabian O’Donnell, ‘The One Man Band’, will also be wowing the crowds this year."
Other crowd pleasers included the big and small dog races at noon, Tuhura Otago Museum experiment demonstrations, a petting tent, Santa’s grotto and two lolly scrambles.
On the more traditional side, visitors could enjoy dog trialling, competitive stock sections, equestrianism, shearing demonstrations, arts and crafts and a wide range of trade, gift and food stalls.
