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it a popular community day for everyone. Keep an eye out for the Great A&P Auction, which is raising money to keep the show running. Photos, Anna Thoroughgood.
No matter what the weather decides to do on Saturday March 21, the 158th Warkworth A&P Show will go ahead at the Warkworth Showgrounds.
That’s the confident statement show secretary Karen Black made, a week out from the event, as water poured from the sky.
“Unless I see a weather report that says ‘sunshine all day long’, I’m not going to believe it,” she said.
“We’ve had years when we’ve had torrential rain the day before the show, even during the night, and yet the sun has come out and we’ve had a great time.
“You’ve just got to hope for the best!”
Preparation for the show will start on Thursday when volunteers begin the long task of marking out the fields. Judging of the indoor section entries also starts on Thursday and continues on Friday. Marquees will pop up like mushrooms on Friday, ready for exhibitors and stallholders, while the rides and large exhibits are installed.
When the gates open on Saturday, a lot of the volunteers will have already been on the grounds for three hours – many, like Karen, will put in a 12-hour day. Their reward?
To see a big happy crowd celebrating this area’s rural heritage and enjoying a relatively economical day out – $15 for adults, $5 for children and a family pass for $40.
“The show has come together really well this year – our loyal sponsors have all returned, which is fantastic, and we’ve recruited some awesome new volunteers,” Karen said.
Among the group helpers are Springboard, the Warkworth Men’s Shed and Mahurangi Rugby.
The positive vibe has also extended to entries in the cattle and miniature horse sections.
The programme promises something for everyone, from free children’s rides to live entertainment.
There will be dancing Chinese lions, vintage cars, shearers and woodchoppers, and opportunities to try your hand at cow milking and calf feeding.
The ever-popular market and trade stalls will be selling their wares, the Donkey & Mule Society will be on site, and there will be mounted games and the Cowboy Challenge.
There will be a display by the Dargaville Medieval Combat Club, and opportunities to interact with Fire and Emergency NZ personnel, Neighbourhood Watch and NZ Police.
The indoor section will feature baked goods, field and garden produce, floral art, needlework, hand knitting and more. And let’s not forget the food vendors satisfying rumbling tummies with everything from curly fries to fairy floss.
Whether you have to pack a raincoat and gumboots, or sunhats and water bottles, you’re sure to have a great day out.
See the A&P Show pullout, here.
Ticket Giveaway
Mahurangi Matters has six double A&P Show passes to give away.
To go into the draw, email gm@localmatters.co.nz with A&P Show in the subject line. Entries must be received by midday this Thursday March 19.
