The Ferris wheel kept on turning all day yesterday as the 87th Wanaka Show juggernaut cranked into gear and hundreds of people arrived for all the fun of a country fair.
Wanaka’s two-day agricultural and pastoral extravaganza is the second largest in the South Island, behind the Christchurch Show.
It began at 8.30am yesterday and continues until 5pm today.
This year, the show organisers are celebrating a record number of fine-wool fleece entries.
They received 236 entries for coveted industry awards in the New Zealand Fine Wool Supreme Fleece competition, launched by the show last year.
Judges said they were blown away by the quality of fleeces and interest from 53 properties across the South Island, many of whom have contracts with internationally recognised brands such as Mons Royale, Smartwool, Devold, Icebreaker, First Lite and Global Merino.
"It’s an opportunity to show the rest of the world how good our wool is from the original source — stud farms and flock properties."
Deciding the winner would be challenging, he said.
"I’ve never said this before and I don’t say this lightly, but I think we will have a perfect, 100-point fleece in this competition."
Three top international agricultural judges are at the show: Australian sheep farm manager David Zouch, New South Wales sheep stud owner John Bensley and England-based equestrian judge Sarah Smith.
Wānaka A&P Show livestock manager Fe Howie said the show was delighted to be hosting the judges, who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event.
"All are experts in their categories and I’m sure they will provide some valuable feedback for this year’s entrants."
A wide range of activities continue today including more equestrian and livestock events, home industry displays, wool classing, wood chopping, shearing, dog trials, the Jack Russell Race and old-fashioned sheaf tossing.
There are limited parking options in Wānaka’s town centre.
A free park and ride service is available, with 15-minute bus loops continuing all day.
