The sounds of dog whistles, thundering hooves and the odd neigh were accompanied by post banging and hammering at the CHB A and P showgrounds in Waipukurau yesterday.
It was the second day of the Tux Yarding Challenge dog trials, as well as showjumping, while preparations were well under way in advance of today's main CHB A and P Society Show Day.
Yesterday afternoon the team from Backpaddock Lakes were readying their homemade wakeboarding pools for demonstrations that will be taking place throughout the day.
Constructed of hay bales and silage wrap, and containing 40,000 litres of water each, the DIY construction replaces the inflatable pools that sprung a leak last year.
Wakeboarders hailing from Waipukurau to Finland and Estonia will be showing off their aerial feats, with commentators describing the action for those new to the sport.
The wakeboarding joins an action-packed agenda today where the final run-offs of the dog trials will be held, along with more equestrian events with top local riders competing.
Past show president Helen Ormsby said the equestrian entries this year had been terrific, and the grounds were in good shape from the spring rain.
The shearing and woolhandling competition starts at 8am, along with a local pet and calf competition, and at 10am the fencing competition gets under way.
As well as a multitude of trade exhibitors, show-goers will be able to peruse the wool and fleece display, vintage machinery, vintage cars, a children's zoo, and baking, rose, photography and craft competition entries.
At 11am and 2pm local highland dancers will demonstrate their craft, and at 1pm the popular terrier-racing event will be held.
Across the grounds at 1.30pm, teams will battle it out in the regular Top Town event, testing their skills on such obstacles as the slippery pole and wool bale roll.
There will be plenty of refreshments and throughout the day Mahon's Amusement will provide fun and games at sideshow alley.
Rounding off the event at 6pm will be the bull riding event, which continues until 9.30pm.
More info: www.chbshow.co.nz Tickets: There is a separate entry fee for the bull riding on Saturday night - adults $15, children 15 and under $5, under-5s free, family pass (two adults, two children) $35. General show admission is the same as for the bull riding.