“There will be lots of food and drink stalls with traditional local and international kai as well as real fruit ice cream and lots of cool and hot drink options.”
There will be $1 rides in the barrel train, mini jeeps, as well as a mechanical bull. There will also be a laughing clown sideshow and a bouncy castle.
Other children’s activities will include face painting, balloon twisting, tree climbing, and stilt walking displays.
There will be a colouring competition for children and a pet parade. Children can take their pets along to join the parade with the proviso that they must be on a lead.
There will also be a display of Clydesdale horses reminiscent of New Zealand’s earliest A&P shows over a century ago.
The Taihape Riders group will also be providing motorcycle rides and there will be static motorbike displays as well as tractors and farm equipment on show.
Rangitīkei musicians will be providing live music and local artists and craftspeople will provide indoor displays of spinning, floral art, and children’s crafts.
Winiata said there would also be stalls selling locally-made goods and produce.
Historically held around Easter each year, Gumboot Day became part of the A&P Show weekend for the first time in 2020 and this year there is added reason to celebrate.
The historic grandstand at the Memorial Park venue has been awarded category 2 status by Heritage New Zealand which should enable funding for strengthening and repairs.
- Taihape Gumboot Day and A&P Show: Memorial Park, 12 Kokako St, Taihape, Saturday, January 28, 10am to 3pm. Gold coin entry.
