‘Phenomenal’ Saturday turnout at A&P Show

The lolly scramble once again had the kids following en masse to add to their toffee apple and candy floss sugar fix. It was windy but otherwise, a beautiful spring day as the background sky shows. Pictures by Liam Clayton/more pictures in tomorrow’s Herald

A “fantastic” event that “showed the heart and soul that’s in our community” was how the 2023 edition of the ever-popular Poverty Bay A&P Spring Show was summed.

Thousands of people flocked to Showgrounds Park on Saturday, following on from what organisers said was a “better-than-normal” Friday.

“Last year’s first day was one of the best Friday crowds for years and Friday this time was only a shade off it,” Show president Simon Bousfield said.

“We’re still finalising the gate numbers for both days but Saturday’s turnout was phenomenal judging by the traffic, full carparks and how packed out the sideshows were.”

The sunshine helped and while Saturday was windier than Friday, it was no deterrent.

“Everything went off without a hitch and there were no major hiccups,” Mr Bousfield said. “The feedback we have been getting has been awesome. Thanks to everyone who supported us. We really appreciate it.”

The support for the Show illustrated how big an event it continued to be on the Gisborne calendar, he said.

“We’re blown away by the level of public support and with the support from our members.”

It was Mr Bousfield’s first year as president.

“I’ve loved it. It’s been special to be involved in that role.”

Mayor Rehette Stoltz, after her crew won an entertaining Team Challenge in the centre ring on Saturday afternoon, said it was “a fantastic  Show”.

Those in the Trades area and other exhibitors were well supported.

“We’ve had more people through than ever before and we ran out of the food we were offering at lunchtime today,” one stallholder said. “That’s not happened before either.”

The Home Industries pavilion and its various displays again clearly illustrated the talent  of craftspeople in the district.

A large number of family picnics were set up around the Showgrounds on Saturday, which was great to see.

Sideshow alley was packed on both days.

“It was heaving with people having fun,” one Show-goer put it.

Police reported no incidents of note.

“The crowd was well behaved,” police said. “It was a fun weekend for us to work the Show.”

St John also reported having a quiet time.

The traditional Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon was led as usual by the Highland pipe band, who were followed by old and new tractors, vintage cars, trucks, including a 1929 Morris Commercial, can-ams and speedway cars.

The beautifully presented Cricklewood Clydesdale horse team, ably handled by Bruce Holden, brought up the rear.

The traditional lolly scramble had its usual Pied Piper effect.

Parade MC Neville Clark summed up the Show when he said: “It’s a community event in a great community.

“It’s been a hard eight months for the district and the Show’s shown the heart and soul that’s in our community.”

Another Show-goer put it succinctly: “It was a Show full of miles of smiles.”