Gilmour part of drive for top show

Emma Gilmour.
Emma Gilmour.
There will be something for everyone at the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral show next month.

''We're going to have the rain prior to [the show] and it's just going to be a family-friendly day, full of entertainment,'' North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association secretary Katrina Kelly said.

The show will be held on February 27 and 28, at the showgrounds in Oamaru.

A special feature for the children this year will be balloonologist Pippity-Pop, creating exciting balloon sculptures, and big bubble-maker Julian Cox.

Kiwi rally driver Emma Gilmour will bring her rally car to the show for the public to peruse.

Dog agility demonstrations, a parade of new and old machinery, a large floral art exhibition and an ''Oamaru's got X Factor'' competition will also be draw cards.

The main emphasis of the show, however, remains with the agricultural and equestrian sectorBehind the colourful event is a dedicated committee of about 40 people, who give it their all each year.

''We've got an awesome committee who have been doing this for many, many years.

''They're just fantastic,'' Mrs Kelly said.

Community support and sponsorship for the show remained ''huge'' each year.

''We don't have to go out hunting for it. A lot of people are really generous with their time and their sponsorship,'' she said.

In recent years, crowd numbers had been lower. About 2500 people came through the gates last year.

Mrs Kelly said in a town with a population of about 13,000, it would be ''fantastic'' to see attendance numbers double this year.

''We're doing more advertising this year, getting it more out there so people are more aware that it's happening and [to] book those dates,'' she said.

She expected the Aorangi regional final of the ANZ Young Farmer contest, also being held on the grounds on February 28, would be a drawcard.

For the first time, show entries can be submitted online as the committee ''move with the times''.

''Our trade is well ahead of last year and entries are starting to rock in,'' she said.

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