NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
THE South Otago A&P Society’s 156th annual summer show on Saturday ticked all the boxes for a roaring success, organisers said.
‘‘I’ll be glad to get the animals home and put my feet up, because it has been a lot of work to get it all organised,’’ president Bridget Lowry said.
‘‘But it really paid off. We had a fantastic variety and a great crowd and the feedback’s been really positive.
‘‘We’re really grateful to the whole team and all the exhibitors and of course the whole community for their support.’’
Showers did not dampen attendance, people eager to get back to the biggest community event of the year, which was slashed to an exhibitor-only event in 2021 due to Covid restrictions.
One very popular tent was Clutha Vets’ petting zoo, where youngsters in particular enjoyed pats and cuddles with friendly piglets, kittens, llamas, rabbits, puppies and more.
The traditional livestock breed categories were augmented by the southernmost alpaca show in New Zealand, and equine events took place concurrently with bushcraft-wood chopping, shearing displays and the show queen contest, won by Lilly Paterson.
Trade displays were shoulder-to-shoulder with offerings of the latest farm equipment and vehicles, and a selection of classic rides and sideshows, including shooting galleries and the laughing clowns, gave families plenty of rare treats to try. As well as the festive strains of bagpipers and a brass band, the air was perfumed with the aromas of fresh coffee, doughnuts and handmade cotton candy.
Candy-floss maker Alexander Ringland-Stewart, of Dunedin, said he had been following shows and festivals around Otago for 10 years.
‘‘You couldn’t beat the enthusiasm among the kids and grown-up-kids I’ve seen here in Balclutha today’’.
