"The local boys come and have a go, and that's good," one man said.
At the other end of the show candyfloss and hot chips were being sold and there was a ride and some games to play. Half of the crew from Mahon's Amusements had moved from the Wanganui Show last weekend to Waverley for the day. The other half was setting up for Hawera's show at the weekend.
Somewhere in the middle the staff of Waverley Diner were providing lunches and hot drinks, and a line of children waited to try their chances on the slippery pig.
The rides were free, sponsored by Summit Electrical, and some tenacious children managed to stay on for more than a minute.
Also part of the show were fencing competitions, home industries, lamb and calf judging and trade and other stalls.
"It's still a very alive show," Mrs Walkinton said.