Old and new expected for Te Puke A&P Show

Sheep racing is always a popular attraction at Te Puke A&P Lifestyle Show.

Tweaks to the programme rather than wholesale changes will be a feature of this year's Te Puke A&P Lifestyle Show on February 9.

It will be the 113th show, with many favourite attractions returning.

The show will be the backdrop to the practical part of Kiwifruit Growers Inc's 2019 Young Fruitgrower of the Year contest, with a series of horticulture-related challenges taking place throughout the day.

"It's an ideal opportunity to see first-hand how dedicated the area's young fruit growers are in performing their tasks," says association secretary Kim Cawte.

With Mycoplasma bovis still potentially affecting cows and calves in New Zealand, the association decided not to include a cattle section at this year's show but there will be a cow "museum" on site with Daisy the shorthorn cow, along with rope making, butter churning and other items of interest.

Stupid Robot Fighting will also be a new attraction with the Te Puke originating combat entertainment set to bring a new level of competition to the show.

Other major events on the day include lawnmower racing, always a highlight, truck and tractor pulling and displays by the Jaguar Drivers' Club, Kiwi Trikers and of classic cars.

There will be three sheep races throughout the day and Te Puke Young Farmers Club will be running the Ladies Gumboot Throwing and Horse Shoe Throwing competitions with prizes on offer as well as a tug o' war site.

The Rotorua & BOP Hunt Club will be parading their horses and hounds in the main horse ring by the Secretary's hut just after midday.

"This is always a crowd-pleaser and we are lucky to have their support where they allow the children and public to interact with their horses and hounds," says Kim.

The Pet Corner will have tents full of animals and birds to view and buy and there will be horse and pony rides for the public.

Te Puke Fire Brigade will hold demonstrations, and other attractions include an onsite bar, trade sites, food stalls, home industries, sheep shearing, equestrian competitions and a fun ring for horses and ponies.

Major sponsors include Fonterra, Legacy Trust, TECT, Hargreaves Trust and KGI.

* Schedules and entry formsare on www.ras.org.nz or email kimcawte@gmail.com