Now in its 14th year, the Lawrence Lions McKeown Farmarama is rated as an important farmers field day/farm machinery show, and will be held on February 28 and March 1 at Lawrence.
A welcome message from convener Dave Robertson
I would like to welcome all our exhibitors and visitors to the 14th biennial Lawrence McKeown Farmarama, being held at the rodeo grounds, Lawrence.
On behalf of the organising committee and the Lawrence Lions Club, we can promise a captive audience for our exhibitors, and a good many bargains and quality deals for our visitors.
Every two years the club organises Farmarama and we have seen it grow and become very popular, with a diverse range of exhibitors, stall holders and visitors coming through the gates to see what is on offer.
We are servicing the basic needs of farming while introducing them to the latest technological advances and equipment on offer from our exhibitors.
This year we continue to offer a big range of farming-related products, ranging from farming equipment and vehicles, through to animal health, cropping, stud stock and technology.
There will also be plenty of food and drink on hand. I would like to thank the organising committee for their dedication and outstanding work towards the running of such a successful event.
This is just one of a number of major fundraising events we organise as the Lawrence Lions Club seeks to support the community around us.
They are all volunteers and all contribute many hours to ensure our Farmarama provides memorable experiences, sales and bargains for all those who attend.
When Farmarama was first proposed in 1993, we never expected it to be as successful as it now is.
We would also like to thank McKeowns for their sponsorship.
The gates will be open to the public from 11am on February 28 and from 9am on March 1, 2019.
We look forward to seeing you.
A history of Farmarama
The Lawrence Lions-run Farmarama began quietly back on March 2, 1994, when an agricultural field day was held on the McCorkindales’ Glenside property near Waitahuna.
Promoted as a real hands-on event, it has grown to become one of the pre-eminent farming industry shows in the region today, and is now held at the Lawrence Gymkhana Grounds.
Event organiser Dave Robertson said Farmarama was a showcase for agricultural vehicles, equipment, services and sundry supplies and consumables.
‘‘Held every two years, it is a farming show for farmers,’’ Mr Robertson said in a recent interview.
Farmarama was designed primarily for farmers who want to buy, and exhibitors who want to sell.
Mr Robertson said the celebrity guests and product auctions of the past were no longer a part of the show.
More than 1000 farmers, contractors, and related business people attend the show, held over two working days.
‘‘It is becoming more popular each year but we don’t have huge crowds, as it is held during the week and is not designed for town people.
‘‘Distractions tend to drag farmers away from the exhibitors, who are trying to do business.’’
In addition to farming machinery, vehicles and equipment, and services, several studs will have stock on show, and there will also be food and refreshment stalls.
In 1994, this Lions Club project was driven by the then-president Bruce McCorkindale, with the proceeds of $5500 going to support Campaign Sight First, a Lions International project aimed at eliminating preventable and reversible blindness throughout the world.
An unexpected bonus occurred when the club was made aware that the money raised entitled the Lawrence Lions Club to two Melvin Jones Fellowship awards, the highest award possible within the Lions organisation.
These awards were duly presented by Mayor Keith Fyall to charter member Mr Gerald Geddes and community member Mrs Esmae Paul.
Now in its 14th year, the Lawrence Lions McKeown Farmarama is rated as an important farmers field day/farm machinery show, and will be held on February 28 and March 1 at Lawrence.
