Sheep racing, gumboot throwing, tug of war, classic cars, racing lawn mowers, horses, cows, food and home industry displays are among the attractions at the 2017 Te Puke A&P Show on Saturday, February 11.

'This is a rustic show where the ‘town meets the country' and it has only been cancelled once in its 111 years,” says show secretary Kim Cawte.

This year the show has combined with the annual Young Kiwifruit Grower of the Year event, which will see competitors take part in four practical and four theory competitions as well as hosting some children's events including snakes and ladders and apple bobbing.

'The Te Puke A & P Show Committee is enthusiastic at having the opportunity to include the BOP Young Fruitgrowers Competition into our annual show,” says Kim.

'It gives the horticultural industry a chance to show the talent, skills and knowledge required by people working in the industry, to produce the best products for world markets.

'This is an ideal time for the public to come and see ‘first-hand' how dedicated these young fruitgrowers are in performing their tasks, to progress into the future, while also enjoying all the events at the Te Puke A & P Lifestyle Show.”

These include Mandy and Greg Clark, who will be back again with the huge crowdpleaser of 'sheep racing” and Chelsea Marriner and her dogs will also be performing.

Life members

At the show's 2016 annual general meeting both past presidents – Roger Hintz and Ashby Whitehead – were awarded Life Memberships.

Kim says that without their commitment and hard work there wouldn't be an A&P Show in Te Puke. 'Many people do not realise the voluntary time that is required to set up for show day and even the time taken to complete maintenance of the showgrounds and buildings throughout the year. The Jensen, Whitehead and Hintz families have been the mainstay of the show through several generations, with Murray Jensen now the president.”

Te Puke Young Farmers Club will be running the ladies' gumboot throwing and horse shoe throwing competitions. The Young Farmers will also have a tug-of-war site where you can show your strength or lack of it.

Horses and hounds

The Rotorua & Bay of Plenty Hunt Club will be parading their horses and hounds in the main horse ring by the Secretary's hut just after midday. Colette Hintz and her team will have the tents full of animals and birds to view and purchase. Horse and pony rides for the public will also be available and the Te Puke Fire Brigade will be putting on a demonstration.

The Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade will be again putting on a demonstration at the 2017 Te Puke A&P Show.

Jacque and Linda Whitehead are organisers of the Home Industries displays as well as the Hargreaves Children's art and crafts competitions. Entries need to be delivered to the showgrounds on Friday, February 10, before 4pm in time for judging. They will also organise the Miss and Master Competitions for boys and girls aged from four and up to 11 years of age and to enter. Children with their parents will need to register on show day at the Home Industries building before 9.20am.

Cattle classes

The all breed dairy cattle section and beef cattle classes are also held and children are encouraged to bring along their calves.

Shearing classes will include the full range for everyone staging from junior, to intermediate, senior, veteran and open with very attractive rewards.

Changes have had to be made in horse sections to comply for the Horse of the Year show and a new fun ring will be run this year at 1pm to include all horses and ponies.

'The show is hoping to attract a variety of horse clubs from adult riding to Western, to compete in this fun ring. 'The Te Puke Pony Club will be once again running a novice ring, which is great so other pony clubs and younger riders can compete in their respective classes,” says Kim.

Schedules and entry forms can be sourced from:www.ras.org.nz Otherwise, email the show secretary at: kimcawte@gmail.com