Tauranga A&P Show great for 'citified' kids

There was something for everyone at the Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show yesterday - from strongmen throwing heavy rocks to sheep racing and waterslides.

The show attracted a good crowd and president David Harricks said the weather held out which meant entry numbers were good.

He said the events had gone well, with increased entries in the horses and nearly double the number of cattle entries.

"We had all the normal things - stalls with tractors and farm gear, we had a kid's zone with a play area so mum and dad could go for a walk. We got quite a lot of entries in the home industries, lots of produce and gardens and netting, crocheting, photographs.

"There was a really nice display of vintage tractors from the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club, it was the 100-year centenary of the Fordson tractor, they had a really good display of those tractors."

Other highlights were the axemen and strongmen displays. The strongmen in particular were impressive and Mr Harricks said some of the competitors were 170kg and could lift rocks that would otherwise take four men to carry.

"It was a very successful event," Mr Harricks said. "We had a great time. We're always looking for volunteers to help us by either volunteering or giving us ideas."

Debbie Smith was at the show with her children Noah Brenchley, 10 and Keira Brenchley, 11.

"We've come along to see the animals because both of the kids absolutely love animals.

"We're from Auckland so we're quite citified, so we thought this would be a great experience."

Noah agreed. "I've never really patted a cow before. It was really warm and smooth and I just wanted to cuddle it."

Siam Juekarun, 8, had a blast climbing up and down the rockwall while his mother Ploy Juekarun watched on.

"I'm having lots of fun," he said. " The rock climbing has been the most fun."

Miss Juekarun said the great thing about the A&P Show was that it was fun for both her and her son.

"Usually I just take him somewhere and it's for him so it's kind of boring for me. This time, we can both have some fun and enjoy our time together.

"He quite likes the wood chopping and the strong men, and so do I, so we can have fun together without me checking my watch all the time."

- Anyone who may be interested in helping out at the next A&P Show can contact David Harricks on 07 541 3831.