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After assembling a stunning line-up of events and attractions, the Warkworth A&P Show committee were biting their nails late last month as the Auckland region went into level 3 lockdown.
Last year’s A&P Show had to be cancelled at the last minute due to a similar Covid-19 lockdown, prompting fears the 2021 show could suffer the same fate.
However, show secretary Penny Webster says the committee is pushing ahead with planning for the 153rd Show, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, at Warkworth Showgrounds.
Penny says plenty of the usual favourites will be there, including woodchopping and shearing competitions, miniature horses, dog agility demonstration and goat competitions.
Around 50 goats were entered for competition last year and there are high hopes for a large number of entries this year. They will be assessed by Herbie Blakemore, 80, who has been judging goats for almost 60 years. Herbie says he makes a point of encouraging competition novices – explaining where their animals placed and how they might improve their standings in the future.
The centre stage will feature local bands Raw Jam, Bad Neighbours and bluegrass trio Otherwise Fine.
There will also be some live theatre with Sue and Bruce’s Family Feast – a hilarious show for young audiences that gives an insight into where our food comes from.
For the first time there will be a Touch-a-Truck exhibition, which will perhaps be some compensation for the cancellation of the Wellsford Lions Roaring Truck Show in February.
Truck organiser Karen Black says depending on the driver, visitors will be able to clamber into the cabs of some mighty trucks and she has her fingers crossed to secure a “special” truck, which is sure to wow enthusiasts.
The trucks will be joined by vintage cars and a collection of historic farm machinery, courtesy of Warkworth museum.
Those interested in transport in today’s world can check out the NX2 stand, where visitors can learn about the latest developments in the construction of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway.
Penny says the A&P Show is very much a family show and children will have a blast in the Fun Zone, which features merry-go-rounds, jousting, pony rides, and a giant tea cup ride.
She says sponsorship by Northland Waste and Masons mean that all the rides are free and parents will not be asked to keep dipping into their pockets when their kids want to jump on to another attraction.
