The Mt Benger A&P Show drew almost 1500 people through the gates at the Roxburgh Racecourse on Saturday.
A pet parade, bouncy castles and mechanical bull ride kept children busy while trades and wares were on display for the adults.
The big dig entertained both young and old but a highlight was Geraldine-born international rally car driver Hayden Paddon opening the show.
Long-time Mt Benger A&P Society committee member and the day’s commentator Mark Reid said A&P shows were a "Kiwi icon".
"The A&P show is basically to bring the country to town; to show townspeople how an egg is made — it’s not made in a factory — how milk is produced and also produce that you eat. Basically everything you get in a supermarket, you come here and see how it is made."
The committee put a big focus on families, investing in activities that would appeal to children as a way to protect the longevity of the show, Mr Reid said.
"If the kids have a really good day, they’ll bring their kids so it’s future-proofing the A&P show — you’ve got to make sure the kids go away full of sugar and having a good time."
Upgrades made by the A&P society to racecourse facilities in conjunction with the Roxburgh Trotting Club prior to the event included a new shed utilised as the event’s new pavilion, and improvements to the equestrian area made a much better experience for people, Mr Reid said.
