Events for everyone at sell-out Katikati A&P extravaganza

Benjamin Wallis, 11, making friends at the Katikati A&P Show. Photo / George Novak

More than 2000 people descended on Uretara Domain yesterday for the 94th Katikati A&P Show and Katikati Avocado Expo.

With wood-chopping, sheep racing, shearing demonstrations, equestrian events, cattle and traditional home industries competitions, trade stalls and more, plus events and exhibits in the Avocado Expo marquee, there was something for everyone.

Katikati A&P Society secretary Leanne Watson said the crowd numbered more than 2000 people, far more than expected.

"We printed 1800 tickets but people just kept coming throughout the day, which was fantastic and the weather couldn't have been better.

"Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves."

Mrs Watson said she and the other volunteer team members, who had spent the year planning the show, could not have been happier with the turnout and how things went.

"The sheep racing was really popular, especially for the kids, as was the wood-chopping, which went down very well.

"More people entered the home industries competitions this year with their baking and jams; people were very keen to check out the results."

Mrs Watson said the Katikati A&P Show marked its 94th year yesterday, and this year the wood-chopping demonstrations were brought back on the list of events and drew a huge crowd.

"We believed it was important to bring back one of the show's long-standing traditions, and also take the chance to promote our local avocado industry," she said.

The wood-chopping was organised by Val Baker from the Katikati Axemen's Association, with sponsorship coming from avocado marketer Avanza.

The Katikati Avocado Expo, held in conjunction with the Katikati A&P Show, was an event to showcase all things avocado, allowing associated businesses to show off their wares.

There was also a competition for the heaviest export-grade Hass avocado weighed on the day, and a photographic competition with an avocado green theme.

Mrs Watson said the crowd included lots of locals and many out-of-towners, and the $100 gate spot prize went to an Auckland visitor.

"We have already pencilled in the Uretara Domain for next year's Katikati A&P Show, and planning has already started."