Record gate takings and perfect weather made the 108th Winton A&P Show on Saturday one of the most successful on record.
Winton A&P Association president Wayne Malcolm put the annual event’s success down to a combination of factors, including good weather and the opportunity to socialise freely after the pandemic cancelled last year’s show.
"I think people wanted to get out and about because there was no show last year.
"I think that’s what attracts people out as well. It wasn’t too hot, so people stayed around for a while.
"If it’s too hot, the kids get a bit bothered and the animals get a bit bothered too.
"Overall it was a really good day.
"I’ve been coming to this show for a long time and there was a lot of people."
Gate takings topped $18,000 in comparison with the usual $12,000, Mr Malcolm said.
"The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the kids’ area."
While there were no new children’s attractions this year, the time-proven ones were loved.
"We had very good support from the trade and car [sectors]."
The Waimatuku Highland Pipe Band led the grand parade, minus the dairy section which was still being judged.
"It was a shame [not to have them] ... especially with the big entries. It would’ve looked absolutely marvellous."
Entries in the dairy, horse and sheep divisions were all well supported, and the new excavator-digger driver competitions had created a lot of interest.
The Winton A&P Show is one of the largest shows in the Southland region.
The show had traditionally been well supported by both Southlanders and people from the broader provincial regions, as well as North Otago and Canterbury.
"The shearing [competitions] were a big attraction here as well."
He had received only positive feedback from visitors and stall holders — some had already booked for next year, to be held on the third Saturday in January.
