About 100 spectators and competitors from around New Zealand flocked to last year’s event, where local professional Tony Macdonald claimed the Open title in 23.56sec, before a novelty team event featuring chilli-pie scoffing, mystery drink-quaffing, and hand-crank shearing — won by Romahapa’s Chang Shearing — drove the crowd wild.
‘‘There were plenty of townspeople and overseas shearers but it was a real treat for the tourists, too,’’ timekeeper Fiona Walker said of last year’s event.
‘‘A little French girl came over from the campground with her parents and was cheering and clapping with her eyes wide open like it was the highlight of her holiday.’’
Almost $6000 in cash prizes await competitors in this year’s Open, Senior and Farmer categories, leading up to the Otago Shears from February 13-14 and the Shearing and Woolhandling World Championships in Masterton, from March 4-7.
It will also begin a competition circuit with two more rounds in Waihola and Lawrence on February 14 and 15, respectively.
‘‘It’s the first year there’s going to be a South Otago circuit,’’ co-organiser and Catlins sheep farmer Sarah Chittock said.
‘‘Each shearer gets timed and gathers points gathered and the overall winner from each event gets extra prize money from the amazing sponsors.’’
‘‘It’s a difficult task and a very fine skill ... We really do appreciate good shearers that are clean and tidy and do their job well.’’
Food and bar facilities and a free courtesy coach between Owaka, Kaka Pt and Balclutha will be available, and a free haircut will be provided to each four-legged participant who will barely have time to bleat about their fleecing.
Owaka Hall’s doors open at 4pm and the shearing starts at 5pm.
