Thousands turn out for show (+pics)

A&P Show. (Left to right) Emma Fisken, 2, Lucy Fisken, 4, Brennan Otten, 6. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

The annual Rotorua A&P Show drew thousands of people through the gate this year, all enjoying the good weather and fun times.

Nicky Fisken went down with her kids to watch her teenage son show off his prize cows.
"It was really good, I just liked that it wasn't too big and there was plenty to look at. It was really good for the children. There were free bouncy castles and lots of icecream," she said.

"We went to watch my son show off his cows, which was great. My younger kids' favourite things were the fire engine ride and the bouncy castle."

Allan Jeff, treasurer of the Rotorua A&P Show, said although they hadn't done the final count he was sure more people attended than last year.

"We had about 4000 or 5000 past the gate. It was a good crowd for the axeman [competition], too - people like to sit on the hill and watch them," said Mr Jeff. "We enjoy running the show and hopefully people enjoy it, too."

The focus this year was to include kids in as many ways as possible. A petting zoo, donkey and pony rides allowed children to interact with the animals.

Other new events included Doug the Digger, which gave kids the chance to have a go on a digger in a controlled environment, and a Bumper Ball where they put giant Zorb-type balls on themselves and ran at each other.

"We had a lot of items for the children and they really enjoyed themselves, which is great because it brings the adults along too," Mr Jeff said.