CHRISTCHURCH A&P SHOW DAY

It’s the day that country comes to town. City slickers, or townies, get to pat a sheep, see how muscled-shearers expertly use hand shears on the wriggling animals that provide wool for their jerseys and carpet, and meat for their BBQ and kebabs. 

They get to watch woodchoppers chop, witness just how big modern-day farm machinery is, sample fresh-off-the-farm delicacies, endure stomach-whirling carnival rides, and pat frisky goats.  

The New Zealand Agricultural Show in Canterbury – the country's largest agricultural and pastoral show - celebrates its 160th anniversary this week. 

The annual gala, which has had a few homes over the past century-plus, is now hosted at Wigram and will attract thousands of Cantabs – especially tomorrow on the province’s public holiday, Show Day.  

As well as the usual favourites, like equestrian, sheep shearing, wood chopping, duck herding, and prize animals, there are a few new attractions this year.  

Tonight (Thurs.) there’s a barn dance, while there are also busking zones, multi-cultural performances, and even a special show by legendary children’s telly star, Suzy Cato.  

And along with the usual popular hotdogs and candyfloss, there are fancy “farm-to-plate artisan offerings”, as well as spit roast pigs. 

Run under the umbrella of the Canterbury A&P Association, The Show is going back to its roots, says general manager Tracy Ahern. 

“Our aim is to celebrate all things rural and to introduce new aspects to people in the city,” Ahern says.  

“We’re creating a country fair experience. We want it to be an agricultural mind overload.” 

The first Show was held in Christchurch in 1863 on a 5.6 hectares site which would become Sydenham Park. 

When the event outgrew the land, the association moved to a larger block in Addington – which is now home to Apollo Projects Stadium where the Crusaders play - to accommodate the growing number of exhibits.

In 1997, it moved to its current site at Curletts Rd where many one-eyed Cantabs flocked this week.

Tomorrow is Canterbury Anniversary Day, the annual provincial public holiday colloquially known as Show Day.  

The temperature is set to top 21C, and although there’s a bit of rain about, it won’t dampen the enthusiasm of both townies and country folk alike.