The most welcome ''visitor'' to the Mt Benger A&P Show was uninvited but warmly received.
Steady rain hit the Roxburgh showgrounds late on Saturday afternoon, much to the delight of most exhibitors and the show organisers.
''Everyone was very happy to see some rain - the only hiccup it caused, was we realised we needed a bigger tent for the bar, as it wasn't big enough to house all the people seeking shelter from the rain,'' president Dick Michelle said.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper could also lay claim to conjuring up the rain. When he opened the event, he said it would be far better if all he could see was a sea of umbrellas and coats, ''because we need rain''.
Three hours later, down came the rain. He dismissed suggestions yesterday he could hire himself out as a rainmaker.
''I don't think so ... but the rain will certainly be well received, though.''
Mr Michelle was pleased with the show attendance.
''Numbers wise, we haven't got the final figures yet but I think the crowd would be on par with last year, if not even bigger,'' he said. Entries were up in several sections, including the equestrian categories, wool and sheep, which was pleasing to see. T
he committee made sure there was lots of free entertainment for children at the show. This year the pet tent, with a variety of animals on display, the big dig, and agrisports challenge all proved popular. The show will relocate temporarily to the Roxburgh racecourse next year.
Roxburgh is the host town for the 2016 Otago Goldfields Cavalcade and the end of the cavalcade will coincide with the A&P Show. More space is needed, so both events will combine at the racecourse, Mr Michelle said.
Results
Champion Hunter: Allie Harper - Rosari Ringo Starr; Reserve Champion Hunter: Kristin Darby - Loch Linnhe; Champion Hack: Isaacs/Dean - Volronamo; Reserve Champion Hack: Kristen Wilson - Dublin Bay; Champion Park Hack: Sarah Lee - Amberleigh Resemblance; Reserve Champion Park Hack: Amanda Taylor - Saffron; Champion Section A Pony: Emma Anderton - Woodhill Let's Dance; Reserve Champion Section A Pony: Grace Thomson - Silverbank Shalimar; Champion Section C Pony: Jaylah Kennedy - Maxwellton Give Us A Grin; Reserve Champion Section C Pony: Jack Willson - Skibbereen Oasis; Most points First Ridden Ponies: Charlotte Davie - Ataahu Enchanting; Most points Lead Rein Ponies: Oliver Davie - Ataahu Enchanting; Supreme Champion Paced & Mannered: Kristin Darby - Loch Linnhe; Supreme Champion Pony: Jaylah Kennedy - Maxwellton Give Us A Grin; Supreme Champion Horse: Sarah Lee - Amberleigh Resemblance; Champion Ram Meat Breeds: SW Howard; Champion Merino Ewe: Matangi Station; Champion Crossbred Fleece: R Skevington; Champion Merino Fleece: Cecil Peak; Champion Corriedale or Halfbred Fleece: Horseshoe StationChampion Gift Fleece: J Wales; Supreme Champion Fleece: Cecil Peak; Winner Gift Lamb: Norman Roos; Pet of the Show: Emily Perkins - Kate; Most Points in Pavilion: Noela Irwin.
