The sun came out for the West Otago A & P Show at Tapanui on Saturday.
The show provided the usual rural fare of pet, baking, photography and fencing competitions and local craft and business stalls.
Sheep, cow and horse handlers both young and old showed off their skills and prize beasts, and the day concluded with a grand parade for the winners.
The shearing shed offered a reprieve from the all-day sun but was no less sweaty for the West Otago Shears competitors.
Young up-and-comers showed off their skills in the morning heats, while the more seasoned pros finished off the finals in the afternoon.
Former world champion shearer Nathan Stratford took the open final, shearing 14 sheep in 13 minutes, but Corey Palmer, of Dipton, was not far behind.
Mr Stratford, 51, of Invercargill, told the crowd he went to the gym five days a week to maintain the fitness needed to compete at his level.
Show president Richard Reddit said it was a "cracker" day and the rain the day before meant rural contractors did not have to work and could instead enjoy the fair.
Best stall went to new Tapanui shop Southern Living Giftware and Yamaha won best trade site.
Mr Reddit was really appreciative of the show’s sponsors and trade sites as the region has only a few businesses to call on for funding.
"We always have to go to the same people for sponsorship, and they stump up every year, which is brilliant," he said.
He commended Invercargill shearer Mr Stratford on "another win" and noted the increasing number of women shearers who had entered.
