Record crowds flocked to New Zealand's oldest agricultural show at Waimate North on Saturday.
Although numbers were still being calculated yesterday, Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show secretary Pat Mount said it was the biggest gate ever.
"It was one of the biggest shows we have had," she said. "Everyone was
very happy with the way it went."
The 162-year tradition, staged at the Waimate North Showgrounds, showcases the region's agricultural heritage, with competitions involving dairy and beef cattle, sheep and dogs.
Vintage farm machinery from around Northland, assembled to celebrate a century of tractors in New Zealand, and woodchopping competitions proved major drawcards. Also, a marquee boasting more than 30 exhibitors from Northland's wine-and-food industry attracted many people, Ms Mount said.
Billed as "Savouring the Source", the event featured cooking demonstrations from nine Northland chefs and a wine-tasting competition, in which entrants had to identify the type of wine they were drinking, the area it was from and its vintage.
A talent quest was so popular that organisers had to limit the number of entrants.
"It (the show)just has a happy relaxed atmosphere."
