The top three finishers of the gumboot throwing competition will qualify for the National Championships in Palmerston North. Photo / Supplied
The top three finishers of the gumboot throwing competition will qualify for the National Championships in Palmerston North. Photo / Supplied
Taihape's A&P Show and Gumboot Day have joined forces in 2021 to create the Go Throw Show, set to kick off at Memorial Park at the end of the month.
Taihape Community Development Trust project and events co-ordinator Pania Winiata said the town's A&P Show usually ran in January, withGumboot Day taking place in March, and planning for the combined event was "falling into place".
Local stalls, food, sheep shearing, the North Island Gumboot throwing champs, wood chopping, hobby horse races, horse shoe throwing, and cottage industry competitions are just some of the attractions on offer this year.
"The Taihape Riders will be there and are fundraising for our Taihape Playground Group, for a new playground down at Memorial Park," Winiata said.
"On the live music front, we have Ra Costello performing, along with Zone-1."
Event sponsor Tyson Burrows from Taihape's Rustic Steak House, who had been a "wonderful supporter", would be returning to sell food and offer demonstrations.
"The squash club will also be opening up, so if anyone wants to know what squash is all about they're more than welcome to have a hit," Winiata said.
"We're really trying to mix it up to make sure that we incorporate A&P and Gumboot Day, and try get as much as we can in there."
There were a lot of things there "for the little ones" as well, Winiata said.
Wood chopping competitions, a staple of A&P shows across the country, will still feature at the inaugural Go Throw Show on January 30. Photo / Supplied
'We've got Jason from Family Fun Entertainment coming along with his big old bouncy castle, merry-go-round and jeeps, then we've got the Fonterra train, a colouring-in tent, fruit carving, and horses as well.
"Entry is a gold coin donation, and the rides are only $1 a turn. Parents just need to purchase tickets and away they go.
"It'll be a great day had by all."
Taihape A&P Show co-chairperson Michelle Fannin said the community had wanted "one major event for Taihape".
"I believe we're still a year or two away from it being a really amazing day because there's a lot more work to do," Fannin said.
"For something like this to be successful, our locals need to turn up. A lot of work goes in behind the scenes, and a lot of blood sweat and tears.
"I'd encourage people to put their hand up as a volunteer. Be there, and be part of the solution of how we can make this one of the best days in our district."
New Zealand Boot Throwing Association Chair, Alan "Curly" Troon, said the current national record for gumboot throwing stood at 56.65m for men and 34.5m for women.
"The biggest throw I've seen in Taihape was 46m," Troon said.
"Men compete with a size 8 Skellerup, and the women throw a size 5 Skellerup.
"We start with little wee boots for the young kids, then we move into the youth, then it's the seniors turn.
"It comes down to the top six, then the top three qualify for the national champs in Palmerston North in March."
The first ever Taihape Go Throw Show is on Saturday, January 30, at Memorial Park. It runs from 9am to 4pm.
For more information, go to https://taihape.co.nz/gothrowshow2021/
