The future of the 128-year-old Palmerston and Waihemo A and P Show is under threat unless it can attract new committee members.
The Palmerston show had, up to now, kept going when other country shows had closed down, but next year's February event might not go ahead unless more people joined the committee, show president Gay Mills, of Palmerston, said.
The Palmerston show was believed to be one of the oldest shows in Otago, she said, but up to six out of 10 Palmerston and Waihemo show committee members, including several long-serving members, had indicated that they wished to step down.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the Palmerston show was a valuable backdrop to the activities of the rural and town community.
The annual meeting of the Palmerston and Waihemo show committee will be held at the Waihemo Lodge, Palmerston, next Wednesday at 7.30pm and Mrs Mills has urged people interested in helping the show continue to attend.
A large number of people, including East Otago High School pupils and the local Lions clubs, have helped the show committee with show preparations and show day work over the past few years.
Mrs Mills hoped increased local support would allow the show to continue.
An A and P show has been held at Palmerston since 1881, with the exception of two years during World War 2.
It attracts large equestrian entries, numerous trades displays and craft stalls and vintage machinery displays, including working displays.
Hall entries at the Palmerston show continue to be strong, with vegetable and flower classes attracting strong competition.
Stock and wool entries have declined in recent years but still attract support.
A special Seasider show train has run from Dunedin to Palmerston each show day in recent years.
