To mark the milestone year of Wanaka's annual agricultural and pastoral show, the second-largest in the South Island, organisers are encouraging visitors to the two-day event to dress in fashion from the era in which it began.
A competition for the best 1930s-themed trade exhibit, vintage cars and an exhibition of photographs from past shows will help recapture the early days.
In recent years, the show has spread from the Wanaka Showgrounds, across McDougall St and into Pembroke Park, to cater for the increasing number of trade exhibits.
Show co-ordinator Jane Stalker said the steady annual growth had continued this year, with exhibitor numbers up from 385 last year to 426. The show area had been "slightly extended" further across Pembroke Park to cope with the growth.
Last year, security fencing around the entire site was introduced for trade exhibitors and to improve the flow of pedestrians between Pembroke Park and the showgrounds. The same system was in place this year and McDougall St would be closed to traffic between Ardmore and Brownston Sts today and tomorrow, Mrs Stalker said.
About 18,000 visitors attended the event in 2011, and it was expected that figure would be surpassed again this year.
Prime Minister John Key, Agriculture Minister David Carter and Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean will be guests at the show today and will attend the finals of Beef and Lamb New Zealand's 2012 Golden Lamb Awards (also known as the Glammies) at 11.30am.
New All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will officially open the show tomorrow during the grand parade, which takes place immediately after the popular Jack Russell race at 12.30pm.
In addition to the tradition-al livestock and home industry categories will be sheaf tossing, dog and pet judging, equestrian events and a new Gypsy Cob section.
Entertainment will feature on two stages, including the Vanuatu Band, the Billy Black NZ Kiwi Show and local "Stars in Your Eyes" performers.
