A&P show aims to break record

Organisers are hoping that last year's record attendance at the Stratford A&P Show will be broken this year.

Last year 15,000 people came through the gate, up from the previous year and possibly setting an all-time record.

Show committee president Ian McCaul says the association is delighted with the turnout over recent years, with people coming from all over Taranaki for the 105-year-old event.

He feels the committee is aiming for the right market. "Many urban people, especially youngsters, don't have so much to do with rural life these days. The show is having quite a rebirth. We aim to cater for families and children, and attractions such as McDonald's Farm Barn, where children can hold and pat live animals have been a great success."

Ian says the association no longer just looks for big name acts, realising that smaller entertainment activities can be just as much fun. "Teenagers love the rides, farmers enjoy the animal competitions and there's heaps for kids to do.

"Urban kids live in a different world these days, with so much on and technology a big part of their lives, and it's great to see them experience rural activities. Live shearing and cow milking are new demonstrations this year, activities kids don't get to see much these days."

With shearing, spinning and knitting demonstrations, pig races, a performing dog act, wood chopping, shearing competitions, clowns, vintage farm machinery on display, food stalls, the ever-popular sideshows and more than 100 trade exhibits Ian and his colleagues are confident that this year's show will keep everyone entertained.

A kid's space will feature old-fashioned children's games and giant games of Jenga, noughts and crosses and Connect 4.

Show secretary Christine Hughes says last year's attendance was the highest in the 17 years she has been associated with the show, with records showing that 6000 people attended in 1920, although numbers for the 1960s and 1970s are difficult to source.

Ian says the committee of about 20 volunteers puts in a massive amount of work over the two months leading up to the show days and without them the show couldn't take place.

The show opens on Friday, November 28 with equestrian events and the big public days are on Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30.

"Getting a fine day for the show is all important, so fingers are crossed," says Ian.