A&P Spring Show team's preparations on track

The Showgrounds Park will be transformed over the next week for the annual Spring Show and with kind weather forecast at this stage the town and country get together looks set to be the kind of Show the district deserves in what’s been a tough year. File picture

The A&P Spring Show team are on the final countdown as preparations begin to gather momentum for the annual town and country get-together next week.

All competition section entries have now closed.

“Equestrian entries are down due to a clash with another horse and pony event in Taupo the same weekend,” said Poverty Bay A&P Association general manager Erica McNeil.

“They start competing from Thursday next week and we have good entries in the Horse Grand Prix, which is pleasing.

“The chopping, dog trials and national dancing entries are similar numbers to 2022, with wood chopping over two days this year, not just the Saturday, and dancing only on Saturday.”

The dog trials once again start next Wednesday, running through to the final run-off on the Saturday morning.

More than 200 dog trial entries have been received.

“The trade sites are looking good, with only a couple of gaps to fill,” she said.

“The marquees started to go up yesterday.

Mrs McNeil said the Showgrounds Park has dried out after last week’s rain.

“The weather forecast looks good, so fingers crossed we might have a fine Show, which will be very welcoming after the challenges of the last three years.

“The community deserves a great Spring Show with lots of sun, hats and sunblock.”

The Mahon family and their sideshow equipment have arrived on site.

“No doubt they will be in full cry setting up their area over the next week.”

Mrs McNeil said the working bee held on Saturday at the showgrounds was well supported.

“Our wonderful volunteer committee got right behind it.

“Without those people we wouldn’t have the event we do, so thanks from me to all of our volunteers — you are gold.”

• The Show runs from October 12-14.