There is nothing more rural than an agriculture, pastoral and industrial show and, despite the changing times, patrons and exhibitors still turn out in their droves to mosey around or show off their produce or animals.
Northland's reputation for showing endurance is well demonstrated in the upcoming Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show at the Waimate North Showgrounds.
It is the longest running one-day event in Northland and the oldest agricultural show in New Zealand.
When the gates open at 6.30am on Saturday, November 13, it will be for the 168th time - meaning shows began in the district only two years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
While many favourites remain some events have come and gone since those days, but new ones are always being initiated. Drawcards this year will be the Savouring the Source Food & Wine Festival, which will feature more than 30 Northland food exhibitors in a giant marquee.
A morning highlight will be a Kids Can Cook competition for children aged 12 years or under. A wine-tasting competition and cooking demonstrations by leading New Zealand chefs are bound to attract the adults.
There will, of course, be the traditional horse and livestock competitions and hall exhibitions featuring cooking, produce, arts and crafts. A live band, a talent quest, bouncy castle, and plenty of games and food will provide family entertainment.
One new attraction this year will be a Water Walker, a plastic ball with an air-tight, water-tight zip that allows the people inside to walk, float or lie on water without getting so much as a toe wet. This year's Wood Chopping Carnival has attracted world champion New Zealand axeman and STIHL Timbersports Champion 2010 Jason Wynyard. He will be joined by other top New Zealand axemen such as David Bolstead, Shane Jordan and Dion Lane. At midday, a team relay of wood cutting, splitting and stacking is scheduled. The competition concludes with a firewood auction.
Other favourites will be mini-jeeps, bungies and paintball stalls and a pole-climbing competition.
Admission is $8 (children under 13 years and accompanied by an adult are free). Parking is also free.
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