Hoping forecast rain will hold off

CRT Otago regional manager John Kelly, of Dunedin, has wet weather gear on hand should forecast rain hit the Wanaka Showgrounds today. Photo by Matthew Haggart.
CRT Otago regional manager John Kelly, of Dunedin, has wet weather gear on hand should forecast rain hit the Wanaka Showgrounds today. Photo by Matthew Haggart.
Rain, rain, stay away.

That's the message from many of the 350 trade exhibitors setting up yesterday for the start of the Upper Clutha A and P Show today.

A southerly front brought rain, wind, and cold temperatures to much of Otago yesterday, although Wanaka missed the worst of the inclement weather.

However, MetService has forecast a second southerly front to sweep across the South Island today.

The 73rd Upper Clutha A and P Show is at peak capacity this year, with 70 more trade exhibits than last year.

The Upper Clutha Show is the second largest event of its kind, outside of the Canterbury A and P Show.

CRT Otago regional manager John Kelly, of Dunedin, had the wet weather gear on standby yesterday, in case the forecast front arrived.

Mr Kelly has manned the CRT trade exhibit tent at the Upper Clutha Show for "a number of years now", and said he "couldn't ever" remember it raining for the popular event.

New events scheduled at the show include a merino ram auction today, while heartland entertainers the Topp Twins will perform tomorrow.

The sister act will also help judge the "Glammies" - New Zealand Meat and Wool's golden lamb awards, held this afternoon.