President’s welcome
Welcome to the 2023 South Otago A&P Show. This being our 157th show, we are indeed one of the oldest running A&Ps in New Zealand.
Thank you to all our sponsors support this year. Sadly, this is becoming a harder task each year, but to those that have continued their support, the committee and I thank you wholeheartedly. Without your continued support this community focus event would not be.
The running of the show is most definitely not an overnight event — we begin in March, planning as well as the general upkeep of the grounds and buildings. On April 7, we have our annual giant pumpkin competition and fun market day and, thanks to the generosity of our local farmers, we have our hay and bale competition around the same time. Both events are becoming quite the event to win. So there is never a dull moment.
I have always said the A&P Show is all about making memories. I remember competing in the calf classes when I was 5 years old, then the excitement of spending my prize money on the funny clowns. We try to add new events each year and continue with the most popular from previous years. This year we have the dog races, I dare say that will be a laugh. We don’t encourage betting but no doubt there maybe the odd ‘I bet . . .’’
All the best to those competitors.
Regarding competitors, I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck. We truly appreciate your attending our show. After the committee members, competitors in all sections from horses to baking, these all make an A&P show. Thank you for your entries and continued support, and to anyone entering for the first time, welcome! Remember to thank any of the judges, stewards, and event organisers — we are all volunteers.
If you have any new ideas and wish to join our committee, please do come along to our meetings, held every second Wednesday of the month. December is our social barbecue.
Follow us on Facebook to stay updated with what’s going on. New members are always welcome, and much needed as we are all getting older, the more the merrier. It would be sad to see the show slowly disappear, but without the support from everyone, trade, sponsors, competitors and public, the to-do list gets bigger and bigger and the committee is getting smaller.
On a lighter note, I wish each and everyone the best of luck in your events, and safe travels to the event and back home.
South Otago A&P Show — the home of making memories.
Bridget Lowry — South Otago A&P Society president.
