The 108th show, being held on January 13, will feature a ‘pet & owner lookalike’ competition, to be judged by guest and mental health advocate Matt Chisholm.
There are no entry fees for that category — nor the others in the ‘pets & lifestyle animals’ category: best pet lamb or goat; most unusual pet; and best-dressed pet.
Committee vice-president Sara Irvine says the annual show is shaping up to be one out of the box, also boasting a host of free-to-enter home industries categories specifically designed to keep kids entertained over the school holidays.
Categories include building a Lego rocket or spaceship; creating a creature from edibles; making a bird-feeder from recycled materials; making a home-made drink and stall (judged on taste and presentation) and making a fairy garden created in an ice-cream tub or lid.
The baking section includes a "pizza face" category, judged on decoration only.
"In its history, there have been some entrants who have been shocked to hear the judges sampled their entries," Irvine laughs.
"There were some judges who sampled things that were strictly for decoration purposes only — they may or may not have had some glue."
This year’s family class features two categories — designing and building a garden game and a "bug hotel" — the winner of each will receive a $100 cash prize.
For adults, categories include ‘booze’, ranging from home-brewed beers, still and sparkling wine, to liquors (creamy, clear and dark), spirits and ginger beer; ‘lifestyle producer’, which includes the heaviest chicken egg and a waste-free family picnic basket; and vegetables, preserves, baking and floral art categories.
The latter includes a section for an arrangement inspired by UB40s Red, Red Wine.
Outside, there are the sheep and wool competitions, and a horde of equestrian events, along with entertainment from magician Jonathan Usher, sheep shearing and dog agility displays, face-painting, fun rides and inflatables.
And the Mountain Scene hobby horse competition will return — bigger and better — for a second year.
Irvine says the committee is also continuing to work towards its goal of being waste-free by 2025.
Last year, working with Sustainable Queenstown and its DISHrupt initiative, waste was reduced by 55%.
Along with bringing their own drink bottles and reusable coffee cups, Irvine says the committee is also encouraging people to bring their own food containers next year.
"They can order food from the vendors, but pop them in [their own containers] and take any leftovers home.
"The goal is waste-free, as in no waste to landfill ... it’s a one-day show — if we can demonstrate we can do it ... then it will give others the confidence they can also make significant gains in terms of reducing waste," she says.
The committee is also on the hunt for volunteers to help out on the day, particularly equestrian vollies.
Anyone interested can email secretary@lakehayesshow.com
