It was the 123rd Maniototo A&P show and organisers were well pleased with the attendance at Maniototo Park in Ranfurly.
Maniototo A&P Association secretary Janine Smith said attendance numbers were up by about 30% compared with last year’s show.
"Definitely, people through the gate are well up."
Entries were also up in almost every competition category.
"Competing against each other has always been important in this area," Ms Smith said.
Food, drink and retail stores were all on offer and a wet slide put on by the Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade was particularly popular on the day, Ms Smith said.
"We’ll ask everyone to do a rain dance when they depart — we’re desperate for rain."
She said a lot of volunteer hours went into making the event possible each year.
"The big reward is when the community turns up — and that’s what’s happened today.
"It’s about coming to celebrate our agricultural industry and everything that goes with it and supports it."
An anniversary medal was presented to Maniototo A&P life member and patron Alan Paterson, as part of commemorations for the Royal A&P Society’s 125th anniversary.
The medal was to be given to a person of significance in the show community.
Ms Smith said it was good to give back to Mr Paterson, who had contributed much to the show over the years.
