Sam Bower, Alexis Barnett, 3, and Samantha Morris from Hastings enjoy the sight and screams of thrill seekers on rides. Photo / Glenn Taylor
Sam Bower, Alexis Barnett, 3, and Samantha Morris from Hastings enjoy the sight and screams of thrill seekers on rides. Photo / Glenn Taylor
The 150th Hawke's Bay show had "something for everyone", attracting a record number of entries and "one of the largest" Friday crowds ever.
Hawke's Bay A&P Society general manager Brent Linn said he was still waiting on the final figures of people who came to the show, but the numberswould be "considerably" up on previous years.
He said the three-day event had attracted more trade shows, animals, and a record number of dog trail entrants, which had pulled in a large rural community turnout. This year's show was a milestone for the longstanding annual event and celebrated the "nostalgia" of the 150-year-old Hawke's Bay Show.
Families and crowds enjoy the Grand Parade. Photo / Warren Buckland
"We had a number of people come from out of town as well. People from Whangarei and Christchurch, who had been to the show in years past and had returned for this celebration show."
He said a number of dignitaries, including Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and the Argentine ambassador to New Zealand Fernando Escalona added to a "diverse crowd".
"We had quite a big youth crowd turnout as well. We went with Facebook this year, like last year, but this year [it] worked really well in getting the message out to the younger crowd about what events we had on show."
A chrome-covered 2014 Peugeot RCZ 1.6 turbo attracted many onlookers during the show. Pictured is Hawke's Bay Peugeot's Jamie Meeuws polishing the exterior. Photo / Warren Buckland
Some of the show's more memorable events included the national fencing competition, strongest man competition, and Land Rover Series, which included over 65 of the famous four-wheel-drives.
Mr Linn said Hawke's Bay Show events manager Anna Hamilton had done a "fantastic" job in organising the 150th show, while he also wished to thank the huge team of volunteers for the hard work and time they had dedicated to the show.
