An estimated 3500 people turned out for the Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show at Waimate North on Saturday, a drop from previous years which organisers put down to poor weather early in the day and a host of competing events including the Tuia 250 flotilla.
However, P and I Association president Graham Moor said the weather came right later in the day and he was still pleased with the ''great atmosphere'' and positive response from show-goers.
The event featured the regular attractions such as the Savouring the Source food and wine zone, a Young Farmers competition, a busy horse ring, pet lambs, traditional competitions in the exhibition hall, live music and the ever-popular small animals tent. In a change from the usual dog trials, Ōkaihau's Claude Cook and his heading dogs provided great entertainment by rounding up a group of ducks.
The Bay of Islands P&I Show is now in its 177th year, making it easily New Zealand's oldest country show.
![Kidding around: Five-year-old Mackenzie Graham from Pakaraka cuddles a baby goat. Photo / Peter de Graaf](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/TMTT6TQMUBLEPUNO34FVTVMRDA.jpg?auth=b1a02145b18491b3477d743ad5cc580e280ad00487296d702c05a26b4d5eeed4&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)