The Ashburton showgrounds are spic and span, machinery is moving in and marques going up as organisers get ready for the two-day A&P show.
It gets under way from tomorrow.
There is going to be plenty to see and do, show president Ben Stock says.
He was hopeful for good weather and plenty of community support.
‘‘The weather at the moment is looking really great,’’ he said.
‘‘We are looking for families to come out and enjoy the entertainment that we are putting on for them and for the community to get behind our local show.’’
The theme is Cultivating Communities and among the many attractions are giveaways, free activities for children and animals to see up close.
Stock said the entertainment is designed to suit people of all ages and ranges from a college agricultural competition, Trans Tasman dog trials, to a fiery chilli eating showdown not for the faint-hearted.
‘‘Jellyball is a new thing for the show, pony rides for the kids, a bigger and better animal tent.
‘‘We’ve got crazy bikes, Alice in Dinoland, the chilli eating comp – there is still space for more entrants,’’ he said.
There are also sites still available if anyone want to have their own ‘Bootique’ site on Saturday at the edge of the main ring.
‘‘We give people 10 free tickets, the site costs $500, and they are right on some premium ring side space.’’
‘‘The idea is to recreate that show day party out of the (car) boot.’’
Also on site is at Trans Tasman dog trial event and a lady doing tricks on a horse, he said.
‘‘The Young Farmers’ bark up, and we’ve got the celebrity shear with some new identities.’’
Butcher Mike Hanson and fashion retailer Richard Wilson are among the five celebrities taking part.
‘‘It’s just lots of good fun, lots of free (things too) such as 1000 burgers, 500 stir frys, a Pasifika community are putting down an umu – lots of good community stuff.’’
The grand parade, on Saturday, will feature some of the Mid Canterbury Rugby team with the Meads Cup, won last weekend, and plenty of attractions from throughout the show.
‘‘We’re looking for really big participation in the grand parade,‘‘ Stock said, including from trades site holders.
With such a large range of trade sites this year, there will be limited number of car parks on site, but plenty across the road, he said.
‘‘We’re just tidying up a few bits and bobs and getting things ready for the show.’’
‘‘We just want that traditional A&P vibe that we all remember… all that cool stuff.’’
The Friday night Carnival returns, from 5pm to 8pm, with free entry to the grounds.
Sideshows will be operating and food caravans open.
Also on Friday night, from 5pm to 7pm, is an offer for members only of the association.
It will see live music with Molly Harrison, drinks with Crimson Badger (alcoholic Ginger Beer) who have teamed up with House of Hop (Victor’s IPA beer), and nibbles with chef Chantelle Quinn.
“It’s a way of saying thanks and we are going to paint a picture. We are trying to give (members) more.”
Membership costs $35 and, among its benefits, includes a ticket to the show.
In the lead up to the show, four restaurants have been competing in the Ashburger challenge. They are Arabica Cafe, Joe’s Garage, Smoke Ashburton and Panthers Rock. Diners are encouraged to buy their specialty burger and then vote online for the winner via the ashburtonshow.co.nz page.
The winner will be announced at the show.
– The Ashburton A&P Show is the largest two-day event in Mid Canterbury. It runs tomorrow and Saturday. Expect fun, food and entertainment to suit children and adults alike. Gates open from 9am both days. Entry is $20 per adult, children school age and under free.
