Successful end to Wairoa A&P show

Masha Clark, 7, of Gisborne, on the chair-o-plane at the Wairoa A and P Show on Saturday. Photo/Duncan Brown

Thousands flocked to Wairoa's showgrounds for some fun in the sun on the last day of the annual A and P Show on Saturday.

People had a taste of shearing, rodeo, showjumping, bouncy castles, food and more during the final day of the show, which started on Thursday.

President Ross Mitchell said Saturday was an "awesome" end to a great show.

"It was lots of fun and enjoyable for everyone.

"It's good the locals got out and supported it."

Event organiser Laura Trowbridge said it was a "scorching" day but people made the most of the sunblock stations around the show.

The showjumping, rodeo and shearing were popular as always and the atmosphere was "fabulous", she said.

"There were a lot of people walking around really enjoying themselves."

The new layout was well received and so was Event Fun which replaced the sideshows with a vertical bungee, chair-o-plane and a mechanical bull, Ms Trowbridge said.

Gina Hajnal, of Raupunga, said her grandchildren had a lovely day and especially liked the food and rides.

"The shearing is really fun to watch."

She had also enjoyed bumping into people she hadn't seen in ages, Ms Hajnal said.

"It's a great family day out."

Sonia Howard, of Frasertown, said she tried to come every year to support Wairoa and have a fun day.

Her 1-year-old granddaughter joined her this year and they both enjoyed watching the showjumping together.

"It's also nice to meet people here too.

"It's great to see a lot of people you don't run into in town and of course the animals."

The layout, events, entertainment and stalls were fantastic this year, she said.

Cody Price, who farms near Wairoa, said he came with his family to support the district and even entered in the shearing.

"I got in the local final.

"I also came and helped out on Thursday."

His partner, Rebecca Stone, said she is from the area so used to come to the show regularly and will be coming back every year now she lives here again.

The rodeo was probably the most exciting part of the day but the whole event was wonderful, she said.

Diana Potter and Theodora Horsefall, 10, of Wellington, visit the show each year while holidaying in Mahia.

Theodora said her favourite part is the horses as she loves watching them and has just started learning to ride herself.

She also liked the stalls and bought an abundance of delicious lollies.

Mr Potter said she liked the entertainment more this year and always enjoyed the fun family day out.

Events this year have included the equestrian dressage competition, dog-trials, a "Rural Iron Man" competition, home industries, a scarecrow competition, a sheep section, rodeo, shearing and showjumping.