Jeremy Ashworth is gearing up for this year's Northern (Rangiora) A&P Show in the dual roles of show president and trade and craft section convener, while wife Christine Ashworth will be assisting their three children Hannah (12), Emma (10) and Ryan (7) with their entries of two dairy calves, a beef calf and a pet lamb.
Mr Ashworth has been involved in the show for about 10 years, since he was roped in to help organise the trade and craft section. His rise through the ranks has been rapid and he was keen for more.
''It's hard to find young members willing to take on the presidency, but it's a lot of fun to be involved. It has become more of a family involvement for us as we all end up at the working bees and other events,'' he said.
''Years ago the committee was probably all fathers and sons off the farm, but now the members have become more business people or self-employed and from all walks of life.''
Mr Ashworth certainly fits this new age of committee members. While he grew up on North Canterbury sheep farms, he is now a self-employed mechanic, working from home at a Ohoka lifestyle block. He has worked with tractors and farm machinery for more than 20 years.
''I spend quite a bit of time on-farm, so you get to know what the customer is trying to achieve and to get the best result.
''I did my apprenticeship in town [Christchurch] and some of the guys I trained with wouldn't have that sort of personal on-farm relationship.''
This year the president's choice of entertainment would once again be a half-hour contracting demonstration, only bigger and better, Mr Ashworth said.
''Mum and Dad could be driving down the road with the kids and the kids see something and say: 'What's that Dad?', and Dad doesn't know. So this will give them an opportunity to see these big machines working and learn more about them.
''We're trying to make that connection between town and country, so there's no division. Rangiora is still very much a rural town.''
The Taste of Canterbury food tent came under Mr Ashworth's brief as trade and craft convener and he said the focus was on getting more variety than the traditional hot dog and chips. This year's tasty delights included spiral potatoes, kebabs and whitebait patties.
Last month's storm caused minor damage to the Rangiora Showgrounds, with damage to a roof and trees blown over. However, Mr Ashworth said this had been rectified and ''everything is shipshape and ready to go''.
Mrs Ashworth said show day was a big day out for the family.
He was well aware of his ''obligations'' with hosting the president's tent, but said he would be making time to catch up with his children's efforts.
''The kids put so much time into getting their pets ready and it is just good to see Hannah grow up with them. They all do very well and look after their pets well.''
Last year Hannah won champion dairy calf overall at the Rangiora show and supreme champion calf at the Canterbury A&P Show.
The Northern (Rangiora) A&P Show will be held at the Rangiora Showgrounds on Friday and Saturday, October 25-26.
NORTHERN (RANGIORA) A&P SHOW
FRIDAY: Gates open at 7.30am for dog trials and 8.30am for horse events.
Admission is free during the day. Carnival 4.30pm to 9.30pm, admission is $5 per person, with under-5s free and $15 for a family (two adults and up to two children).
SATURDAY: Gates open at 8am. Admission adults $10, $2 child, under-5s free and a family pass for $25 (two adults and up to four children).
- David Hill