Eastern Institute of Technology students have got right behind the event this year, preparing a special vegetable garden for the event.
Students who are the first to enrol in a new qualification at EIT, a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Level Three, have raised more than 2000 vegetable plants from seed during the past five weeks.
Another group of students from EIT's regional Learning Centre in Mahora have been constructing this year's headline feature, an earth bag wall.
The group will show the construction, materials and practices of the past that are now being re-learned as people head towards a more sustainable and gentle lifestyle.
The natural or earth buildings are built using mostly non-industrial, minimally processed, locally available, and renewable, recycled or salvaged materials.
Tutor Aaron Williams said the students were very happy to be involved at the show and have put into practice new skills.
"We are really fortunate to have this for this opportunity for real life experience and we encourage anyone who wants to learn more about sustainable horticulture to come and study at EIT," Mr Williams said.
People will have the opportunity to join tutor Mr Williams and his students for some hands-on learning, helping to apply the adobe (clay) plaster to the wall.
Ms Riches hoped people would take a lot away from the event this year with workshops, demonstrations and discussions with experts on everything from raw milk to seeds and herbs.
On Saturday the Child Cancer Foundation will also be out doing games and activities with the Magpies rugby team.
"We have an exciting line up this year so I encourage people to get down to this free community event," Ms Riches said.
The show runs on Saturday and Sunday at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds from 10am-4pm.