The Ellesmere A&P Association’s 150th celebrations have been cancelled, but the spirit of competition will be kept alive.
The Selwyn Spring Show, due to be held on Saturday, October 17, became a casualty of Covid-19 when it was cancelled last month, but the association has events such as dog trials, show jumping and the gift lamb competition planned, president Andrew Benny said.
"We’ve been look at having some events, while avoiding October 17 which would have been our show day."
A sheepdog trial competition will be held on Friday, October 16, the day when district dog trials would have been held.
Show jumping will be held at the Leeston Showgrounds on Sunday, October 18, with a 9am start, while the gift lamb competition will be held on Wednesday, October 21.
"The Sunday show jumping event will be run along the lines of previous years’ Sunday show jumping events," Mr Benny said.
Classes will be offered for all levels, with riders able to earn national competition points.
"It will be a great opportunity to come out and watch some talented riders and horses and ponies.
"There will be no association cups presented for any of these events, but all events are open to the public under Covid-19 Alert Level 1 only."
The Young Farmer of the Year Tasman south district contest will be held at the Leeston Showgrounds on Sunday, October 18.
The annual Ellesmere Agricultural Science and Technology (EAST) Club pet day will also be held on Friday, October 30, with pre-schoolers who planned to enter animals in the Selwyn Spring Show, able to enter.
Events can be cancelled at short notice, should alert levels change.
With the show cancelled, Mr Benny said the association’s secretary now had a big job refunding entry fees and sponsorship.
"We appreciate the potential support from our sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers who had committed themselves to helping us this year ... As an association, we really appreciate that and we couldn’t run a show without the support from out community."