Shows join to draw crowds

Chickens, ducks and other poultry were on display at the 100th Waimate Poultry Show at the...
Chickens, ducks and other poultry were on display at the 100th Waimate Poultry Show at the weekend. PHOTO: NIC DUFF
More than 500 birds were on show as the Waimate Poultry Show celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday.

The show was "very successful", show manager Mike Barnett said.

"It’s probably one of the better shows Waimate has had for a long time.

"We appreciate the support."

This year’s turnout was much higher than previous events.

That it was the centenary show drew in a lot of extra exhibitors, he said.

But while this year’s turnout was fantastic, Mr Barnett was worried about the future of the show.

"Unfortunately, the exhibitors are getting older and there’s not enough young people taking up poultry."

He would love to see the younger generation get involved to ensure "the survival of most shows" around the country.

The Waimate Vintage Car Club was also there to help draw in crowds to the event.

Its members were cock-a-hoop to put their much-loved cars on display and allow those in attendance to vote on a people’s choice award for their favourite car.

Mr Barnett loved the idea of collaborating with them and was "over the moon" with how it went.

"We put on a car show to coincide with our show and the support from the car club was extraordinary."

Many of the poultry club’s members will have their birds on display at the Oamaru Poultry Show later this month.

nic.duff@odt.co.nz