Charles Ruddenklau is president of the Southern Canterbury A and P Association which will hold its first show in Waimate on Saturday and Sunday.
It follows a merger between the former Timaru and Waimate agricultural and pastoral associations which was completed earlier this year.
Mr Ruddenklau previously served two stints as president of the Waimate A and P Association, in the 1970s and 1990s, following in the footsteps of his father, Arthur, and grandfather, Henry Ruddenklau. His son, Nick Ruddenklau, was recently the fourth generation to be president.
Charles Ruddenklau's earliest memory of the show was competing on a pony. He became involved with the Waimate A and P Association after leaving school and returning home to the family farm. The family's Border Leicester sheep stud "Downlands" was founded in 1900.
This year's show had been "a long time coming" as it was about four years since a possible merger was first mooted. He paid credit to both committees, saying they had combined very well.
The association also runs a Southern Canterbury spring equestrian show in October, on the old Timaru show date, and that will continue.
The Timaru association sold its showgrounds, on the northern side of the city, in 2005, and held its show in Waimate for the past few years.
Mr Ruddenklau is also involved with the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand Central Districts, the umbrella organisation for A and P shows in Canterbury, Westland, Nelson and Marlborough.
He enjoyed the people involved with A and P shows and believed shows were a "wonderful way to keep town and country together".
Increased entries had been received this year in the sheep, dog trial, poultry and goat sections, home industries and children's classes. An RAS medal will be awarded to the best poultry exhibit.
Entertainment includes a blokes barbecue cook-off, a motorcycle trials riding display, the ever-popular and entertaining pub challenge, a digger competition, stock and station horse demonstration and the North Otago district final of The National Bank Young Farmer Contest.
There were also various trade displays, including "excellent support" from machinery outlets, and the "sideshow alley".
"The show wouldn't be a show if you didn't have sideshow alley," Mr Ruddenklau said.
The association had a very enthusiastic and hard-working committee and it was "in good heart". It was fortunate to own its very attractive grounds, on the outskirts of the town, which were freehold.
The showgrounds were well used through the year, including for various equestrian events and as the base for the annual March Hare motorcycle rally.