“We always have people saying ‘why can’t you bring it back’ and ‘if you bring it back we would enter’ so let’s see whether they hold true to their word.”
She said the section included competitions for beef and dairy cattle of all breeds.
The wood chopping event also returns and this year is run by the Horowhenua Axemens Club.
“They are not holding a competition for themselves, but it is still run in a competition environment, so to the general public you wouldn’t have any idea they are just doing it as a fun event for themselves.”
The event got adrenaline pumping for spectators and participants, she said.
“It’s the excitement of the build-up as, like anyone watching a race, you take your bets on one particular person maybe and chase and follow it, and the excitement and adrenaline builds through the public.
“The blood starts flowing from the sidelines.”
The sheep shearing competition on Friday kicks off the Dannevirke A&P Show this weekend.
New this year is the Ute Shine and Show on Saturday.
“Are you rocking a town ute or a farm ute?”
Categories for this competition include best ute pre-2000, best tradie and cocky (farmer) ute, best adventuring ute and best daily ute.
“To be putting it on display, rather than just driving it around, is pretty cool.”
Wahlberg said Mahons Amusements were already on site and would be open Friday night and Saturday with limited rides on Sunday.
“We have got lots of extra children’s activities, we have the Fonterra train running both days, we have pony rides available both days.”
She said Sunday afternoon was for dog lovers, with the terrier race at lunchtime, followed by the pooch party in the produce hall with Tararua District Mayor Scott Gilmore stepping in as the judge.
“The Ruahine Kennel Association put it on last year, and it was so popular and everyone loved it so they are willing to do it again this year.”
Categories include waggiest tail, fastest eater, most impressive bark, cleverest trick and fancy dress.
Wahlberg said prices remained the same to give families an affordable day out. An estimated 2000 people are expected through the gates.
“It’s a lot of foot traffic, and when you look up on Saturday at lunchtime and the grounds are completely full of people and the sun is shining, it’s no better feeling.
“The weather forecast is supposed to be amazing so it will be a really cool day for people to come out and actually experience some cool traditional A&P Show activities.”
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
