This year’s Southland A&P Show on March 1 marks its 155th milestone and promises to deliver an agricultural and pastoral playground.
"I know we say it every year, but the 2025 show is looking like it’s going to be the best yet," Southland A&P Show president Paula Bell said.
This year’s theme, "preserving traditions for future generations", will mean all Southlanders will get a taste of the show’s rich heritage embedded in many families from all over the region who travel to Donovan Park each year for the Southland show.
"We pride ourselves on being one of the main events on the South’s A&P calendar, and are thrilled to have this year’s theme centred on the show being a family tradition for many in Invercargill and across the Southland region, with thousands attending from all over," Mrs Bell said.
Donovan Park hosts the family-friendly event, which starts with a night market with food, crafters and music from 5.30pm tomorrow, with a $2 entry for adults and children under-16 free.
There would be amazing produce on show while the crafters would celebrate the "preservation of traditions" for the next generation, she said.
"We love seeing Donovan Park bustling with people for our show, as we bring country to town for the day, and are looking forward to building on previous years’ successes."
A&P organisers are also looking forward to welcoming the Company Band to the KiwiSkips Food Court Stage to entertain throughout the day, along with entertainers 3 Ring Riot Circus.
Healthy competition will be alive and well in the coveted Claas Harvest Centre Hobby Horse Race, while the popular Log Marketing Woodchopping will feature competitors looking to defend their titles and novices looking to make their marks on the woodchopping stage.
Southland Riding for the Disabled will again be offering horse and pony rides for a donation while proceeds from tractor rides provided by Southland Farm Machinery will go to the A&P society’s charity of choice.
Mrs Bell said the pet section was a "must see", along with the new creative section, featuring scarecrows and photography.
"As always, we’re looking forward to delivering another incredible Southland A&P Show, which is growing year on year, as well as celebrating and showcasing our rural way of life in the Deep South," she said.
Show day, Saturday, starts at 9am.
Tickets are $15 for adults and children under 16 are free. Payment for entry options are via cash or QR code. See Eventbrite for more details. Eftpos is available.
