“Yes! To finally have some fine weather and an opportunity for us to get out and do something, especially after all the cyclones and recent bad weather,” Kate said.
David Weaver, of HufnPuff Engines, was firing up machinery, continuing Charlie Hough’s legacy of showcasing some fascinating old motors at the Show.
Mr Hough, who passed away earlier this year, started the attraction in 2000.
Mr Weaver said he was proud to keep up the display and be part of the annual event.
Mr Hough was a Gisborne fitter-mechanic who spent 16 months as part of the New Zealand Antarctic Research team at Scott Base back in the 1960s.
“He was one of the first Kiwi team down on the ice,” Mr Weaver said.
The old working engines on display this year are an impressive sight, attracting young and older generations.
On the other side of the Showgrounds, children were eager to pat some fluffy lambs at Makaraka School’s Farmland Zoo.
The school has been running the popular petting zoo for about 10 years.
Deputy principal Michelle Hall said it took hours to set up — weeding, hosing down and preparing for the event. Some of the kids pitched in, volunteering alongside principal Hayden Swann.
The fundraiser event helps support the school with various activities during the year, including school camp, trips, financing buses for transportation and students getting out and about in the community.
A call-out to families to provide animals for the farmyard brought in sheep, lambs, a pony, goats, chickens and baby chicks.
Students Rupert Williams and Harry Bryant played their part with two hours of volunteering yesterday.
“We had to look after the animals and make sure they had enough clean water,” said Harry.
Both boys were looking forward to a ride on the popular Turbo Boost after their shift had finished.
Meanwhile Peter Buell, Gisborne’s harbourmaster, is at the A&P Show to promote safe boating. There’s a giveaway on offer for kids to draw a picture of themselves on the water with a draw being held towards the end of the show.
The prize is a lifejacket.
Other giveaways include information on safe boating, dive flags and information on life jackets.
Maintaining inflatables is very important to Mr Buell and something he said many people don’t know about.
He is keen to do “anything we can to help people come home safely at the end of the day”.
Mr Buell has a wealth of knowledge from decades of maritime industry experience.
He has been a harbourmaster at two other New Zealand councils.
He was happy to have a chat and share his knowledge.
A&P Show association committee member Stephen Thomson said they were “stoked” with how Friday went.
