Fruitgrowers competition a new addition to Te Puke A&P show

Chelsea Marriner will be one of the star attractions at the 2017 Te Puke A&P Show.

Organisers of this year's Te Puke A&P Show are enthusiastic about having the opportunity to include the Bay of Plenty Young Fruitgrowers Competition into the show.

"It gives the Horticultural industry a chance to show the talent, skills and knowledge required by people working in their industry, to produce the best products for world markets," says committee secretary Kim Cawte.

"This is an ideal time for the public to come and see first hand how dedicated these young fruitgrowers are in performing their tasks, to progress into the future, while also being able enjoy all the events at the Te Puke A & P Lifestyle Show."

However the competition is just one aspect of the show, which will be the 111th, and will be held on February 11.

Secretary since 1999, Kim says this show will be a "ton of fun" and there will be additional entertainment provided with new events included to attract as many locals to this great day.

Lawn mower racing will be one of the highlights as well as the return of the truck and tractor pulling competition.

Mandy and Greg Clark will be back again with the huge crowd pleaser, sheep racing.

Between shows, Chelsea Marriner and her dogs will also be performing for the public in the entertainment area, which is beside the shearing stand and not far from the secretary's hut.

Ian and Bub Foden from Bledisloe Park will be bringing the Trike Club to the show where there trikes will be on display for the first time at this event.

John Bourke will also be bringing along the Jag Club so they too can show off their vehicles to the public.

Te Puke Young Farmers Club will be running the ladies gumboot throwing and horse shoe throwing competitions and the Rotorua and BOP Hunt Club will be parading their horses and hounds in the main horse ring.

There will also be a tug of war, various competitions, including one to guess how much milk a cow will produce, horse and pony rides and demonstrations by the fire service.

Home industries, traditional livestock classes, shearing competitions and equestrian competitions will all feature at the show that will be opened by Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber.

Kim says this year people seem more positive about supporting the show and major sponsors, including Fonterra, Legacy Trust, TECT, Hargreaves Trust and KGI, have helped to purchase ribbons, print schedules and support horse and cattle rings.

- Schedules and entry forms can be sourced from the website - www.ras.org.nz otherwise you can email the Secretary at: kimcawte@gmail.com.