The organisers of the Central Otago A&P Show at Omakau did not have to look far to find a celebrity to open the event.
Tony Herbert, star of television advertisements for a telecommunications company, was arm-twisted into doing the honours.
The co-owner of the Omakau Auto Centre has been appearing in the company's television ads since May last year and said it was a ‘‘a bit embarrassing'' being seen as a celebrity.
‘‘I really struggle when people come up and ask for my autograph, and a couple of people have done that.
‘‘But I always come along to the show anyway, so it was no big hassle.''
Show association president Donny Maclean told the crowd on Saturday the organisers liked to line up a celebrity to open the show and it was easy to find one this year. Later he admitted Mr Herbert had taken some persuading.
‘‘As late as Friday, I wasn't sure if we could convince him to do it.''
The 119th show had been one of the most successful and although he had yet to see finalised gate-takings, he was sure numbers were up this year on other years. There were record horse entries, with numbers hitting 880, up from 700 last year, Mr Maclean said.
Sheep entries were also up from 150 last year to 175 this year.
‘‘The variety of events seems to be the right recipe, along with the free activities we've had for kids the past couple of years.
''We want to make it cost-effective for families to come along and lots of families are visiting the show. That mix of events, so it's not just agriculture and livestock, seems to make it more successful.''
Woodchopping, shearing, a magic show, craft demonstrations and a pet parade were all on the day's programme. Shade was in demand, as the temperature climbed to more than 28degC. For the first time, a heat of the Perfect Woman contest was held as part of the show and it proved popular.
Ten contestants had to carry out a wide range of activities throughout the day.
The top three placegetters - Rachel Rule of the Maniototo, Megan Faulkner, of the Ida Valley and Brooke Solly, of Ranfurly, will compete in the Perfect Woman final in Wanaka at Labour Weekend. The event is a fundraiser for the CanLive Cancer Trust.
