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The Warkworth A&P Show made a stunning comeback this month, despite early fears that the event would suffer the same fate as last year, when the show had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.
Around 3000 people streamed through the gates, enjoying a day of glorious weather, traditional A&P competitive events and non-stop entertainment.
A&P chair Allan Barber said competition was especially fierce in the woodchopping and sheep shearing.
He said the cancellation of a number of shearing competitions around the country, encouraged New Zealand’s top competitors to make a point of coming to Warkworth.
Mr Barber was also pleased to see a large number of goats and miniature horses entered for judging, which will go some way towards offsetting the loss of the cattle and a more comprehensive programme of equestrian events.
He said while it was important for the A&P Show to retain much of its traditional agricultural emphasis, it was equally important to see it more generally as a great family day out, as evidenced by the free rides for children in the Fun Zone.
Mr Barber acknowledged some criticism of this year’s show for a lack of food offerings. He said food truck operators were likely scared off by the prospect the show might be cancelled at the last minute due to Covid and perhaps feared purchased food for the event would be wasted.
Despite that setback, Mr Barber felt the Warkworth A&P is in good shape for the future.
This was Mr Barber’s last show as chair. He is stepping down, along with show secretary Penny Webster and treasurer Vanessa Barber. Their replacements are tipped to be Carl King, manager at EnviroNZ, as chair, and Karen Black as secretary/treasurer. Ms Black is a former secretary/treasurer of the Kumeu Show.
