Fun for all despite showers at Winton A&P Show

Megan Graham and her daughter, Jodie (8), enjoy the Octopus ride at the 105th Winton A&P Show. Photo / Ben Waterworth

Rain did nothing to deter attendees at the 105th Winton A&P Show as thousands of revellers made the most of the entertainment and action at the Winton Racecourse on Saturday.

More than 4000 people attended the day and enjoyed everything from wood chopping to sideshows and a petting zoo.

Forecast rain threatened to put a dampener on proceedings throughout the day, but by early afternoon it had cleared and the people in attendance continued to enjoy the excitement.

Brad Marshall directs his son, Beau (3), as they go for a drive. Photo / Ben Waterworth

Winton A&P Show president Dellwyn Malcolm said the show always went on, despite the weather.

He said while it might make things a bit wet, it did nothing to stop the show which was always a traditional favourite event at Winton.

Brody (7) and Chelsey Duncan-Rose (10), of Invercargill, get up close to a goat at the petting zoo. Photo / Ben Waterworth

"Livestock entries are up this year and the home industries seem to be growing and growing. It is a great family day to come to the show."

He said the only cause of concern from the weather was the postponement of the morning sessions of the FreestyleNZ motocross show with riders unable to perform because of high winds.

Kate and David Laing had come to the show from Scotland after their nine-week tour of New Zealand put them in the right place at the right time.

Brook Todd in action during the shearing competition. Photo / Ben Waterworth

They said they had seen the show advertised in Invercargill and were drawn to the event based on their own agricultural roots in Scotland.

More than 40 trade exhibitors were on display showcasing a variety of wares from deer antler craft through to farm machinery.

The Wonky Donkey Man entertains the crowd. Photo / Ben Waterworth

Several displays of different types of animals also proved popular, with families lining up to get a glimpse of the baby animals in the petting zoo.

There were also several sideshows as well as live music, a baby show, as well as wood chopping and shearing displays.