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Plans are well advanced for the Warkworth A&P and Lifestyle Show, which will be held at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Saturday, March 18.
Organisers say there have been some challenges picking up momentum from 2021 after last year’s show was cancelled due to covid, but they are confident this year’s event will have something for the whole family to enjoy.
The programme will include regular show attractions such as the woodchopping, shearing, inside exhibits, mini-horses and free entertainment for children.
But there will also be some surprises. A country market is planned for the indoor exhibits tent, the Donkey & Mule Society will be attending and Billy Black and his Kiwi Culture Show will take audiences on a journey from the bush to the back paddock.
Attempts are also being made to reintroduce cattle classes, after that section was cancelled due to the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak several years ago.
This year’s organising committee is a mix of old and new. It is chaired by Carl King, who is enthusiastic to keep one of the longest running A&P shows in NZ going for many years to come. The president is Warren Churches who has been very involved in the miniature horses for many years, but is well-versed in all aspects of running the show.
Before moving to Warkworth about seven years ago, secretary Karen Black was the secretary of the Kumeu Show for 22 years. Other committee members are Genette Churches, Marjorie Blythen, Jenny Ferguson, Louise Graham, Lorna Sanson, Richard Pointon and Tim Holdgate.
Black says interest in the more commercial trade sites seems to be getting harder to secure and she would welcome enquiries from anyone interested in a trade exhibit site.
“We have sites available that would ideally suit local service providers who are selling a service rather than a product and don’t require a large site. An example could be a lawn mowing contractor or an accountant. They just need a table, chair and somewhere to display some brochures maybe, or just the opportunity to talk to people about their service.”
The show relies almost entirely on the contribution of volunteers.
“We have a great team, but there is always room for more. Some good young blood would be great to have coming through.”
The show’s principal sponsor is Wharehine. It is also supported by Auckland Council, Mason Contractors, Northland Waste and Carters Tyre Service.
