Wanaka’s annual agricultural and pastoral show got off to a cracking start today (Friday March 12) with the usual mind-boggling array of things to see and do, from wearable arts to wonkey donkey songs, and groomed livestock to mechanical marvels.

Organisers of the 84th Wanaka A&P Show said 12,000 entry tickets were pre-sold and the numbers of equestrian and livestock entries had exceeded expectations with horse, sheep and fleece entries all up on last year.

The Home Industry shed was once again packed with a vibrant display of children’s art, home preserves, flowers and vegetables, photography, home crafts and baking.

Home Industry convenor Janice Dickey said there were 1,535 entries, which was on a par with last year’s entries. “The variety is amazing this year,” she said.

The judges’ choice in the Open Flower section was awarded to Andrew Simms’ remarkable display of Dahlia blooms.

Among the many first-time stallholders at the show were Wanaka local Sue James-Moore and from Wellington Jeevan Verma; both said they were getting a lot of enquiries at their respective stalls. 

Charlee Reynolds (2.5yrs) and her grandad Steve Reynolds enjoy the children’s art section.

Sue’s company Central Oil produces individually tailored oilskin and possum fur jackets; Jeevan Verma is the director of The 3D Hub which uses digital 3D-scanning technology to create photo-realistic colour 3D models and miniature replicas of any person, object or pet.

Phil Oldfield, of Geraldine, father of Allan Oldfield, the current world champion blade shearer, shows his skills with the hand-shears to a young attentive audience.

Another show first and a big hit with the crowds was the new wearable arts competition on a catwalk built inside the rugby clubrooms. It was standing room only for the models displaying an imaginative collection of creative clothing made from sustainable and recycled materials. 

Wonky Donkey creator and entertainer Craig Smith draws a large crowd.

The Runway: Art You Wear competition will continue tomorrow (Saturday March 13), starting at 3:00pm after which the winners will be announced.

Also enjoying the cool of the rugby clubrooms was an attentive audience listening to mad keen gardener Lynda Hallinan. The former NZ Gardener editor, author, broadcaster and part-time farmer dispensed plenty of good advice and laughs during her show. She too will return for a second show tomorrow at 1:00pm.

One of the children’s activity areas included flying high for the fearless.

Feature events (Program) tomorrow include the show-stopping Jack Russell Race in the main ring at 12:30pm followed immediately afterwards by the Grand Parade.

As expected with thousands of visitors attending the show, parking near the showgrounds is hard to find. 

Lynda Hallinan provides gardening tips to an appreciative audience in the rugby clubrooms.

The Park ‘n’ Ride free parking area off the Cardrona Valley Road (opposite the medical centre) will be available once again tomorrow with a free shuttle bus running every 15 minutes between the car park and the showgrounds, provided by Yello, throughout the day.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App