Fun and information to flow at show

Crowds at the bull riding event on Saturday night of the show can catch the action ringside as well as close-up on the large screens. Photo / Neil Patterson

This year's CHB A&P Show in Waipukurau is set to make a splash with its theme "Living with Water" to recognise the important part it plays for the district's agriculture and people.

If the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme goes ahead, water is set to become a bigger part in people's lives, particularly farmers, and among this year's trade exhibits on Saturday, November 14 there will be at least four companies showcasing irrigation options.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council will have staff at the showgrounds to talk to about the scheme, as well as the resource management plan change for the Tukituki catchment.

Show president Chris Menzies said it brings everything into one place for people to find out more and discuss irrigation options with operators and each other.

Carrying on the water theme, the Backpaddock Lakes team from Takapau will be bringing the water to Russell Park, in two large, purpose-built inflatable pools where a wakeboarding demonstration will be hosted.

The pools are 20m long by 3m wide and house 80,000 litres of water each. Using portable winches, experienced wakeboarders will dazzle as they perform tricks on obstacles, including a jump and a rail.

This event will happen alongside the annual Top Team Challenge, where water features in obstacles such as the slippery pole and water slide and carry, challenging teams who will vie for the Top Town Trophy.

Most show exhibits will be open by about 8am on Saturday and visitors will be able to take in trade stalls as well as the traditional rural activities including dog trials, fencing competitions, wool and sheep shows, shearing and wool handling competitions.

There will be displays of vintage cars and machinery, highland dancing, a children's zoo and terrier racing at 1.30pm in the main ring.

The family fun continues with Mahons sideshows and amusement rides.

Equestrian events will be running all of Saturday and the night before. From about 7.30pm on Friday the national Junior Rider Series class will be held under lights.

Wrapping things up on Saturday night will be the thrills and spills of the annual bull riding event, which starts at 5.30pm and will finish about 9.30pm. There is a separate entry fee for the bull riding on Saturday night - adults $15, children 15 and under $5, under five years for free, family pass (two adults, two children) $35.

The general show admission fee is the same as the bull riding, but only entitles ticket holders to attend the show's daytime events.

For more information, go to www.chbshow.co.nz.