Community spirit once again shone alongside glorious weather as about 2500 people turned out for the Tokomairiro A&P Show in Milton on Saturday.
A centrepiece of the day was the popular Toko Talent Show, which drew performers from across the region and a large, enthusiastic audience. Judges and organisers praised the overall standard of entries, describing the competition as one of the strongest in recent years.
The top talent trophy and $1000 prize was awarded to Dunedin singer-songwriter Paige Milburn with her powerful rendition of Sara Bareilles’ She Used to be Mine.
The 20-year-old communications student and retail assistant has been developing her singing since she was 7 and has her own single streaming online.
"Events like this at the Toko show are really important and I think everybody with a talent is grateful for them," she said.
Elsewhere, pipers maintained a festive atmosphere as visitors and locals explored home-industry exhibits, agricultural technology displays, Highland dancing performances, equine events and farm stock contests.
"A few years ago we might have half a dozen entries," heifer calf judge Donald Green said.
"This year we’ve had over 20 collecting points on the Otago A&P circuit, which is very positive."
Classic fairground favourites — including carousel swings, a shooting gallery and traditional carnival games — proved popular with families and added to the show’s traditional charm.
Tokomairiro A&P Society entertainment convener Paula McLeod said the show was another success, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, exhibitors and competitors.
"The committee, entrants and volunteers all worked really hard, so it’s great to see the weather come through for us and so many people along to enjoying it all."
