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The Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show looks set to be held permanently in March following a successful turnout on March 16.
Traditionally held on Auckland Anniversary weekend in January, the show moved to March this year to try to arrest dwindling attendances. The January date clashed with a number of other local events and the notorious traffic jams over the anniversary weekend were also seen as a deterrent.
Chairman Allan Barber says attendance was estimated at between 3000 and 4000.
“We think it was a very successful day,” he says. “The weather was great, traffic was not an issue and more volunteers were available.
“There was good involvement from schools and children in the indoor section competitions, kapa haka and Pasifika entertainment, and the crowds also enjoyed the free entertainment and Silly Bugg#rs challenge.”
The new date meant the equestrian section did not happen and the cattle competition was not held because of M.bovis.
“But the cancellation of these events had no real impact, apart from the odd disappointed competitor, and we had many more goats than usual to compensate for the lack of cattle.
“People spread out over the grounds and there was good engagement with trade sites, a much improved sound system and main stage activity, good crowds at the shearing and the wood chopping, and good integration with the Young Farmers events.
“For the first time I can remember, the whole day was relatively stress free because everybody pulled their weight and things happened as desired – sponsors helped to make the day a success and everybody seemed to be having fun.”
The Young Farmers event was won by Auckland-based business graduate James Robertson, 22, while Wellsford dairy farm manager Daniel Richards won the innovation award.
The Mahu Silly Bugg#rs Challenge had its second outing at the show with 18 teams registered. They raced through 20 fun activity stations. These included the elephant swing, space hopper slalom, nut stack, turkey waddle and sponge launcher. The winners this year were the Kayes family from Millwater.
A final decision on the date of next year’s show will be made at the next committee meeting, but Mr Barber says there is a strong preference for the second or third weekend in March.
