Popular Show undergoes a Change of Name

East Otago Show

Coming up on Saturday 3 February is the newly renamed East Otago show, formerly the Palmerston & Waihemo A&P show which has undergone a bit of a name change to better reflect the region we represent. This includes Hampden in the north, south to Waikouaiti and Karitane, inland to include Dunback, and on to Macraes Moonlight, picking up Shag Point, Flagswamp and Goodwood along the way. Our show might be smaller than some of the big ones around the country but it packs a lot in – including plenty of free entertainment for the children.

It’s also our 151st show which shows how popular traditional community family fun has been and we hope will be well into the future. We have our usual all day equestrian line-up which you can watch from the terraced bank. Riders and their mounts come from as far afield as Christchurch for this show as well as many local riders and it’s always a great sight to see. The Garden and Gallery displays in the Hall are shaping up well. Get hold of a schedule if you haven’t got one already and see what you can enter. Flowers from the garden and baking from the kitchen plus a lot of other handcrafted items to exhibit. Lots of talented people out there – come along and enter into the fun of exhibiting. You might even win a ribbon!

Of course, the Vintage Machinery is a regular and much-loved part of the show with a lot of interesting things to see and people to talk to. Livestock are always a drawcard and watching the judging is part of the fun.

We will again be having our Village Green set up this year for you to come and take a seat, get some delicious food from our fantastic foodies and enjoy the entertainment. On the mainstage this year will be well-known musician and Director of the Bedford School of Music, Jae Bedford. He will present a great line-up of musical talent as well as perform with his wife Miriam as the Bedford Duo. You can catch a magic show with Juggler Jay and then see him over at the Story Teller’s Tent where he will be hanging out with Frances the Balloon Lady and who knows who else. Children will love the fun and games over there. The very popular Bouncy Castle will be there too and there are even pony rides.

But wait – there’s more! For the grown ups there will be a chance to have a go on a mechanical bull – yes – Bucky the Un-Ride- A-Bull will be there to test the mettle of the brave. For those with Scottish roots, the Highland Dancing will be running their own competitions on site again this year which was a fantastic drawcard last year

We are thrilled to have the Otago Canine Training Club this year who will have quite a line-up of dogs to perform some amazing obedience displays. These include such skills as; agility, flygility, rally-O, Tri-ball and obedience. You’ll have to come along to find out what those actually are! Our regular popular pet show and Terrier race will again take place so if you have pets that you are proud of why not enter? Terriers welcome. There’s still time to enter into the Tug O War and win $100 for your school. Check out our facebook page; East Otago Show for other details or where to find out more.

Entry is $10 for adults and free for children 16 and under. Equestrian events start early and trade sites are open 10.00am to 4.00pm.

So come along – bring some money to support our traders, try out their wares, try some delicious food, enjoy some entertainment and be part of another great community event. For more information contact trades@palmerstonwaihemo.nz or message us through facebook.

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