MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE WANAKA A&P SHOW, WANAKA
February 27, 2017. For immediate release

Stellar entertainment lineup for 80th Wanaka A&P Show

The 2017 Wanaka A&P Show is set to be the best yet with a jam-packed entertainment programme to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Held Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11 at the Wanaka Showgrounds, star attractions include treasured Kiwi icons the Topp Twins, who will perform at 11am and 2pm on both days, and celebrity cook Annabel Langbein, who will be cooking new recipes live on Friday at 12.30pm and Saturday at 1.30pm.

The popular Show – which attracts more than 40,000 people each year – will cement its position as one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and pastoral events, while keeping strong farming traditions alive. Some of the country’s top horses will be competing this year, with 95 classes in equestrian being qualifiers for the prestigious Horse of the Year competition.

Wanaka local and longtime Show-goer Annabel Langbein says the event always has a great atmosphere.

“There are all the great farm-related activities, from the equestrian events to the livestock competitions, the wood chopping and the annual Jack Russell race,” she says. “I also love checking out the Home Industry Pavillion to see who was won awards for their ginger crunch, chocolate biscuits or sultana cake, made the best preserves, or grown the biggest vegetables or most beautiful flowers.”

Queenstown-based children’s author and musician Craig Smith and his Wonky Donkey sidekick will be entertaining families on the Radio Wanaka main stage, as will high-energy two-piece dance covers band Idol Frets.

World-renowned mountaineer Guy Cotter will speak about his adventures on Mount Everest and how it has evolved over the past 25 years in the GJ Gardner Life & Style Marquee on Friday at 2.30pm. The Marquee also features cooking – including Cuban-style boer goat cooking and tastings – and flower arranging demonstrations for “Bringing the Outside In”.

About 450 trade exhibitors from around NZ will also descend on the Wanaka Showgrounds to provide the crowds with a unique lakeside shopping experience. There will be plenty of entertainment for younger Show-goers, too, such as the classic carnival rides, the famous Jack Russell race and the free Kids Zone, which hosts various games and activities.

Wanaka Show coordinator Jane Stalker says the livestock and equestrian events are always big drawcards. This year, 265 horses, 190 sheep and 75 cattle are entered in various livestock classes.

“The livestock and entertainment programme for 2017 is particularly special as we wanted it to reflect the Wanaka Show’s significant 80th anniversary milestone,” Stalker says. “There will certainly be something that appeals to everyone of all ages and interests – it will be a busy two days and we are really excited about it.”

Two free park-and-ride shuttles will run from the reserved land across from the medical centre on Cardrona Valley Road to the Show every 15 minutes between 8.30am-5pm.

The Wanaka A&P Show is held at the Wanaka Showgrounds on Ardmore Street – gates open 8am-5pm on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $15 per adult for a one-day pass or $20 for a two-day pass. A youth pass (13-17 years) is $5 for both days, and children aged 12 and under are free.

ENDS

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