Head indoors for a dazzling display

While the animals and entertainment might grab most of the attention at the A&P, one of the biggest show sections is the Indoor Exhibits, which are displayed in the Red Scorpion shed between the cattle pens and the carpark.

Although the name might not be the most inspiring, indoor exhibits comprise nearly 170 wildly diverse classes of produce, preserves, baking, flowers, arts and crafts for all ages.

While many of the classes are perennial favourites, allowances are made for changing tastes, habits and life’s unpredictability – this year’s schedule includes prizes for home-made kombucha, upcycled items and garments, and “a genuine flop” from entries in the cookery section.

There are nine adult sections this year – Field & Garden Produce (20 classes); Home Made Preserves (19 classes); Cookery (18 classes); Flowers (19 classes); Floral Art (two classes – Open: ‘do your own thing’, and Summer Time: ‘from the beach’); Needlework (six classes); Fibre Craft (nine classes, knitting and felting); and Craft (nine classes).

For younger entrants, there are three sections – junior, for those aged eight and under; intermediate (nine to 13 years); and senior (14 to 18).

These feature many old favourites such as novelty fruit and veg, a sand saucer and miniature gardens, but also more modern classes for LEGO constructions, photography, digital artwork and making items from waste material.

There is also a catch-all class in each age section for “any article not already mentioned” in the schedule, which seems to allow a pretty free rein.

Entries cost $1 per class for adults and 20 cents for children and youth, with free passes available for multiple entries.

Prize money is $5 for first place and $2 for second in adult sections, or $2 for first and 50 cents for second in under 18s.

All entries must be delivered to the shed between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, March 13 or from 8.30am to 11.30am on Friday, March 14, after which they will be judged in time for the show next day.

Schedules and entry forms: https://www.warkworthshow.co.nz/show-schedules