Cool weather doesn't deter CHB show-goers

Paige Saunders (left), Mikaela Anderson and Casey Mohi from Waipukurau enjoy the thrill during show day in Waipukurau. Photo / Paul Taylor

Despite the unseasonable, breezy, cool weather bringing with it the occasional chilly shower, Saturday's CHB A & P Show was a great success, organisers say.

Show secretary Julia Tatam said surprisingly good numbers attended both the main show and the bullriding event, making the most of a family day out where there was a lot to see and do.

Starting on Thursday last week, equestrian events were among the competitions held, and culminated in Andra Mobberley from Masterton on Monsteros Just N Pretoria, earlier named the Supreme Champion Pony, going on to win the Champion of Champions title.

In theSomething for everyone at CHB A&P Show shearing competition held on Saturday, always a crowd-puller, Rowland Smith racked up his 23rd open event win, although this was the first time he had won at this event in Waipukurau.

Pongaora farmer David Buick came second, John Kirkpatrick third and Jack Fagan fourth. World champion Joel Henare won the woolhandling competition.

There were many novelty events held throughout the day, including a new fixture this year, a Crufts-style dog show, which attracted "lots of entries and was lots of fun", Mrs Tatam said.

A highlight was a dog dressed in a highland dancing outfit, and other standouts were a competitor dressed in a police uniform with her police dog, and a dog dressed as a Christmas elf.

The Christmas theme continued at the baking and homecraft section where Christmas wreaths were on display and people were invited to create decorations for the community Christmas tree, which would be placed in the centre of Waipukurau as the festive season approached.

A spectacular display of blooms was on show in the rose competition and a huge crowd gathered for the terrier racing event, she said.

In its 105th year, the show continued to thrive thanks to the efforts of a dedicated, hardworking committee, but long-time committee member Dan von Dadelszen warned that more volunteers were needed to secure the event's future.

"We need young, fit men to help with setting up, and we also need new blood for the committee."

Current vice-president James Parsons was one of the younger committee members and echoed this call.

"I grew up with the A&P Show - we came as kids with our parents and grandparents who were all on the committee.

"I want to see it continue its place as a traditional part of Hawke's Bay life - people need to give back otherwise there's a risk it will fold."