Children and their animals on parade at Ōpiki School.
Children and their animals on parade at Ōpiki School.
Three Horowhenua schools held agriculture days on Saturday, November 14 with a host of animals, and the community attending.
Ōhau School held their Country Fair with a bouncy castle, Estefan the llama, have-a-go on a digger, enterprising food and drink stalls, and sideshow games by older pupils.
Estefan the llama was part of Ōhau School's Ag Day this year.
Many businesses supported the school with flowers, fruit and vegetables, food stalls and other donations. The event was organised by the Ōhau Parents Forum, chaired by Lucy Everton. Lucy said some of the funds raised would be used for Year 8 graduates to attend a trip to Wellington.
"It is very important that they have a memorable day out in their last few weeks at Ōhau School as unfortunately camps were cancelled this year also due to Covid-19."
The day was very popular with a steady stream of school families, ex pupils and locals enjoying the fair and parade of animals handled by pupils. Lucy praised the team worked with her to put it all together.
"We think we had a win in putting on something a bit special for everyone in a challenging year to triumph over the isolation and loss of 2020."
Ōpiki School had a great turnout of lambs, calves and goats handled by their school pupil owners. Judges commented on the quality of animal husbandry demonstrated by the children.
Artwork and crafts were on display in the classrooms, with a popular 'scene in a tray', as well as fruit and vegetable sculptures which are a feature of district AP&I shows.
Just like the district shows, there were prizes for best animals, arts and craft. Champion lamb was Speedy, handled by Henry Reilly.
Ōpiki principal Tracey Gurney said there were a record number of animals on show this year.
"This day really celebrates that we are the heart of our community. We focus on the children and the work they have put into their animals and exhibits, and the rural nature of our school."
Guess the weight of the pig was one of the rural-themed games on offer at Poroutawhao School.
Estefan the llama was part of Ōhau School's Ag Day this year.
Sia, a 5-month-old kune kune pig, is the pet of 12-year-old Luca Cockrell. Luca said Sia was the runt of the litter but his mum loves to feed her so she has piled on the weight.
"She makes this high-pitched oink when she wants food. Her favourite is milk, she loves that."
Other pets who came for a visit to the school included Tiggy the cat owned by Year 8 Fern Forth. Tiggy seemed quite at home on Fern's lap oblivious to the many guinea pigs close by.
"She didn't like the car smash outside but has calmed down now that has finished," said Fern.
More traditional exhibits were on display in the Poroutawhao School classrooms including floral displays and junk modelling.
