Kiera O'Neill (3), of Ranfurly, marched with the Maniototo Highland Pipe Band, wearing highland dress and playing her own drum set.
The band led the parade into the domain ground at Ranfurly and Kiera kept in step, showing no signs of stage fright during her debut performance.
Her mother, Lisa O'Neill, has been a drummer with the band for about three years and said she was surprised how well Kiera performed.
"When we had to stand and wait in the centre of the ring for a while I thought she'd get fidgety, but she was really good."
Mrs O'Neill said her daughter had watched a few band practices but only had one rehearsal using her own drum.
"When she grows up she wants to be a drummer and a highland dancer like her sister."
However, the shy youngster was giving little away, only nodding in response to a series of questions about whether she had enjoyed the experience.
Show association president Nic Clarke was delighted at the overall success of the day.
"Entries are up overall, especially in the horse section and our wool entries this year have been exceptionally strong," he said.
Mr Clarke said he believed crowd numbers were up on last year and the "brilliant weather" contributed to the success of the day.
