The Hawke's Bay Show - Oct 24th ~ 26th, 2002

Coming up in October is Hawkes Bay's largest single event of the year, the Hawke's Bay Show. Nearly 70,000 people attended in 2001, and many feel it was the best show in years. The show has been running well in excess of 100 years - in fact this years show will be the 138th - and some 71,000 plus people are expected to attend this year. There is no other activity on the regional calendar that brings together such a wide range of animals, crafts, entertainment, dogs, birds, trade exhibits and people. The Hawkes Bay Show is a true showcase of Hawke's Bay.

The first Hawke's Bay Show was held in Danvers Paddock, Havelock North in 1863. The attendance was 400 and it is interesting to note the population of the region at the time was 1180. In 1873 the Show was held on ground which is where the present Hastings Police Station now stands. Then in 1878 with the exception of the war years the Show was staged for the next 46 years at what is now the H.B. Racing Centre. In 1884 this land was sold to the Jockey Club with the A&P Society retaining the rights to hold their Show. In 1911 the Society purchased 51 acres at Tomoana from William Nelson, however the Shows continued at the Racecourse until 1925 when it was decided to move to the present venue.

The Hawkes Bay Showgrounds are a picturesque feature of Hawkes Bay with magnificent old trees and the beautiful Waikoko Gardens area. These gardens have manicured lawns, incredibly attractive old Oak trees, and a feeling that is typical of the elegant homesteads of early Hawke's Bay.

For further details visit the Hawkes Bay Show website ( www.hawkesbayshow.co.nz) where you will find information about the entertainment, animal competitions, sponsors, show officers and exhibitors. Also included on the site is a brief history and outlook of the Hawke's Bay A&P Society, entry details for the Hawkes Bay Farmer of the Year, a calendar of rural events, plus Hawkes Bay Show contact information.

Stay in touch with the latest news and information about Hawkes Bay New Zealand by visiting the Destination Hawkes Bay website http://www.hawkesbay.com/

Contact: Murray Potts
Destination Hawkes Bay
murray@hawkesbay.com
http://www.hawkesbay.com/

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