Grace does not usually come to mind when you think of heavy farm machinery, but it was in evidence when the tractors danced at the Otago Taieri A&P Show.
Spectators were delighted on Saturday as dancing partners on tractors wove in and out, at times coming perilously close to touching.
The ‘‘ladies'' - really just farmers in drag - were an especially big hit.
Gordon Sim, of Tapanui, who was one of the ‘‘ladies'', said tractor dancing was all about ‘‘good comradeship'' and fun, but took a lot of skill and concentration.
Audience member Jenny Porter said it was like a country barn dance on tractors that was made better by the men dressing up.
‘‘Its just that their hairy legs and hobnail boots give them away,'' Ms Porter said.
The dancing tractors - which were at the show for the first time - were one of many attractions. Woodchopping, terrier racing, a horse championships and a best pet competition were among the other events.
Ashley Wendelgelst (10), of Waiwera South, was pleased after coming first in the overall pet category with his 5-month-old calf Jet.‘‘It feels pretty good,'' he said.
He had grown really attached to Jet after helping raise the cow.
‘‘She is like a sister to me. ‘‘She is really friendly, except when it comes to putting her on the lead.''
Show secretary Cate Edgeler said in the morning the event was going well, with balmy weather drawing a healthy crowd.
‘‘There are lots of ice creams being sold, I'll bet,'' she said.
The show was an important date in the Taieri calender and also brought in people from further afield, she said.‘‘There is something for everyone here.''
