Fred, of Waikaka, Southland, won the annual Jack Russell race for the second year in a row at the Wanaka A&P Show on Saturday.
The Jack Russell was brought in to compete by his three owners, brothers Archie, Hamish and Jack Stewart.
"He’s my best friend," Jack said.
The race brings in the biggest crowd of the weekend and this year 77 little terriers took part in the chaotic and noisy noon show.
Although numbers are not official, the show reeled in about its usual 40,000-strong crowd over the two days, including Prime Minister Chris Luxon who opened the show on Friday.
He thanked the community and farmers in his address and gifted the 88th show’s president’s award to the Young family in recognition of their nearly 30 years of service to the A&P Show across generations.
Over the weekend other regular A&P favourites took place such as wood chopping, dog trials, cattle and sheep judging, the home industry awards as well as 560 exhibitors for those who were looking to spend cash.
The show attracts visitors to town that contribute about $22 million to the local economy, chairman of the A&P Society Keith Cooper said. About $480,000 of that is then spent in the community.
"And an awful lot of businesses will get some benefit in some shape or form. Whether it’s foodies, the hoteliers and moteliers.
"They love it because it’s not just a two-day show; we’ve had tradespeople here since Wednesday and they’ll be here till next Wednesday.
The Wanaka show is now the biggest A&P show in the country.
"Our core focus is the old cliche, and us bridging the gap between urban and rural."
Beyond the two-day event, the impact of the Wānaka A&P Show extends further, with profits helping to support the Wānaka A&P Foundation. Dedicated to the growth of the Upper Clutha district, the foundation invests in building leadership and capability while supporting the future development and wellbeing of the rural sector through its grants programme.
"But we’ve arguably gone a step further by the creation of the foundation to reinvest in community projects and leadership and on top of that, various clubs and service providers."
Over 150 locals volunteer to help for the weekend also.
— Olivia Caldwell
