Kaitaia A&P Show events for everyone

Jerseys are a rare sight at the show these days, but Kiripark Vito Dolly, led by Danika Beardsall, held the once dominant breed's end up with a win for owner Gavin Travers.

Horses, beef and dairy cattle, trade exhibits and domestic arts might still be the backbone of Kaitaia's A&P Show, but there was something for everyone at Saturday's 130th event.

The crowd didn't break any records, perhaps because a number of other major events were taking place simultaneously, but that the benefit of that was that the queues for icecream, slushy and food were shorter than they might have been, and there was plenty of room for the spectators who lined both sides of the sheep racing chute.

Lynda Thompson was there with her faithful companion Bobby, a contender in the pet section.

The dairy cattle seemed especially strong this year, with the occasional Jersey sneaking in among the Ayrshires, and in the hall Val McGregor got her hands on the cooking champion trophy for the 14th successive year.

Five-year-old Sophia Anderson (Whangarei), already in her second season as a competitive rider, showing the results of a good morning's work with 8-year-old Nikita, and proud mum Sarah-Jane Anderson.

At the other end of the longevity spectrum was 11-year-old Bobby, faithful companion of 87-year-old Lynda Thompson, who lined up in the pet section. Bobby had arrived two years ago, a gift from Topvets, Mrs Thompson said, complete with his own toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and toys.

Sergeant Summer Popata (left) and LAC Mereana Martin sizzle sausages to raise funds for Kaitaia ATC.

Peter Jackson went along to soak up the atmosphere.

Chief indoor steward (and show secretary) Rose Walker, who could not begin to count how many shows she had been part of, postponed her 80th birthday celebration to have everything ready.