The first day of the two-day event is dubbed "locals day", where town and country folk enjoy a relatively uncrowded opportunity to peruse the displays before the hordes descend at the weekend.
Yesterday was no different, with Wanaka locals enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in many hospitality tents.
Judging for most sections of the show was in full swing when there was a surprise in the vegetable department; Graeme King was awarded the $5 first prize for three round carrots, raising the eyebrows of fans of traditionally shaped, elongated carrots. (The category permitted gardeners to enter short or long carrots.)
There was also flurry of concern when a stallholder's husband went missing early in the afternoon. The elderly gentleman, who has Alzheimer's, was quickly located on Mt Aspiring Rd with the help of locals and Wanaka police. He was returned to the showground unharmed.
One of the most popular tents was that of Meat and Wool New Zealand, where New Zealand's rowing golden girls, Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, held court for about two hours.
The Olympic champions were in Wanaka to help judge the New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards (the Glammies), with Georgina returning to the North Island yesterday and Caroline staying on to compete in today's Motatapu marathon. The second heat of the Glammies takes place today, with former All Black Richard Loe among the judges.
Caroline Evers-Swindell said yesterday she could not single out any one cut of meat.
The pair met a small group of Wanaka rowers before leaving the show about 1pm.
Aside from the marathon, the other big race in Wanaka today is the Jack Russell race, which starts shortly after the 12.45pm Grand Parade.
The Glammies winner will be announced tomorrow about 12.30pm.
The showground opens to the public from 8am, with dog trialling the first event. Final activity sheaf-tossing is at 3.15pm.
