The 111th Te Puke Lifetsyle A & P Show will have a new element this year as it welcomes the Kiwifruit Growers Inc Young Gower of the Year competition to the event.
Show president Murray Jensen says every year it was looking "for something new to bring into the fold" and it was a great fit.
"It is awesome to get the horticulturist side of it back involved with the show," he says.
"It gives the horticultural industry a chance to show the talent, skills and knowledge required by people working in their industry to produce the best products for world markets.
"This is an ideal time for the public to come and see 'first hand' how dedicated these young fruitgrowers are in performing their tasks, to progress into the future," he says.
The community has changed from farmers and horticulturists to include lifestylers and the show is the perfect opportunity for "town to meet the country", he says.
A core group of less than 20 volunteers were involved with organising the event, he says, and "we have a meeting just after the show each year and that is when the planning starts".
It was a family tradition for a lot of the members, he says.
"Most of us that are involved have dragged our kids along like I was dragged along by my father. And if I remember correctly my grandfather was involved in it as well."
Murray says it is a big responsibility stepping up to the president's role "and the last thing I would want to see is the show fail".
"That could be said for the previous president. It is like the passing of the baton. To be fair, there is probably five families that have taken turns over a fair few years to be president."
Show secretary Kim Cawte, who has been in the role since 1999, says at the 2016 AGM both past presidents Roger Hintz and Ashby Whitehead, were awarded life memberships.
"Without their commitment and hard work there wouldn't be an A&P show. Many people do not realise the voluntary time that is required to set up for show day and even the time taken to complete maintenance of the showgrounds and buildings throughout the year."
The Jensen, Whitehead and Hintz families have also been the mainstay of the show through several generations, with Murray taking on the reins recently.
Kim says preparations have been well under way for this show with "additional entertainment provided with new events included to attract as many locals to this great day".
Lawn Mower Racing will be one of the highlights as well as the return of the Truck and Tractor Pulling competition, she says.
"This show will be a "ton of fun."
The Te Puke Young Farmers Club would be on site running the Ladies Gumboot Throwing and Horse Shoe Throwing competitions with prize money up for grabs.
Meanwhile other features included the all breed dairy cattle section and beef cattle classes, shearing and the Miss & Master Competitions for boys and girls aged from 4 and up to 11.
Details:
What: Te Puke A&P Show
When: Saturday, February 11
Where: Te Puke Showgrounds, Showgrounds Rd, Paengaroa