MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 9 November 2012
For immediate release

Country comes to town

Canterbury’s largest annual event is almost here. Organisers are expecting 100,000 people will make the annual pilgrimage to the 2012 Canterbury A&P Show in Christchurch from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 November to see more than 3000 animals, close to 7000 competitive entries, fabulous food and wine and heaps of free family entertainment.

Animals are the cornerstone of the Canterbury A&P Show, since its inception in 1863, and Canterbury Agricultural Park, located south-west of Christchurch and only 6 kilometres from the centre of town, will house thousands of them for three days – it truly is when country comes to town.

The Canterbury A&P Show is the largest agricultural and pastoral show in the country with 1700 showing classes across 12 sections held throughout the 3 days of the Show. In addition to showing success, exhibitors and competitors will be vying for over $100,000 in prize money as well as special edition commemorative medals awarded to Supreme Champions in recognition of the Show’s 150th anniversary.

“We’re celebrating the 150th Show this year. The event is all about tradition. From families who attend year after year as Show visitors, to generations of showing enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate the showing season and take pride in exhibiting and competing against the very best of the best. With international judges as well as top national judges, were expecting a bumper year of competitive showing in the showing rings. The Canterbury A&P Show is a unique experience and one not to be missed” commented Canterbury A&P Association President Richard Lemon.

In addition to the competitive action in the showing rings, entertainment highlights new to this year include Zilco Scurry NZ Racing, curious creatures in the Rare Breeds Display, 150th Steam Display, USAR Search Dog Demonstrations, 150th Anniversary Equestrian Displays, Young Auctioneers Competition, replica 1900s WA McLaren Trade Site with six traction engines, Veteran Herdsperson Competition in period costume and special Anniversary Displays in the Alpaca and Wool sections.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – The animals and machinery are on their way…
Animals start to descend on the showground’s from this weekend, in preparation for the Show. Dairy and beef cattle in particular will be settling in, giving animals time to familiarise themselves with the grounds and ensure they are in top form for the showing rings on Wednesday morning.

A special 150th Steam Display is planned as part of the anniversary celebrations for this year’s Show. It will include a vintage machinery display with a working threshing mill, steam sawmill, steam chaff cutter and binder. The machinery will be on the road early Sunday 11 November, making the long, slow trek to Canterbury Agricultural Park (expected arrival in the morning).

-ENDS-

© Scoop Media