Sponsored: Rai Valley A&P Show celebrates 90 years

If you’re looking for a proper country day out with the kids that includes animals to pat, rides to spin on, food to indulge in and plenty of space to run around, then circle the first Saturday in March on your calendar.

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

Saturday, 7 March, the Rai Valley A&P Show celebrates 90 years, and the small community is pulling out all the stops to make it a milestone event families won’t want to miss with a decidedly vintage theme.

There is still time to enter a number of the classes, so check out the schedule on the Rai Valley A&P website (www.raivalleyshow.co.nz).

The show owes its birth to a group of local women of the Women’s Division Farmers Union in 1928 who decided their first project should be a picnic day for local farmers.

As explained in “The Rai And Its People: A Centennial History Of The Rai Valley District 1881-1981”, compiled and published by The Rai Valley Centennial Committee, they went ahead with “no assets but their enthusiasm and the generous support of husbands and friends, and in spite of their complete ignorance of running such an event, a small show was staged on the first Saturday in March.”

The swamp below the terrace was drained and formed into a large ring with natural grandstand providing perfect viewing for spectators. A Show Committee was duly formed with five members of the Farmers Union and five members of the Women’s Division running the shows until 1942 when war temporarily stopped the event for two years.

For nine decades, the Rai Valley A&P Association has brought town and country together for one big, relaxed, rural celebration on the first Saturday in March. The event has grown into one of Marlborough’s most loved traditional A&P shows, and it still carries that same welcoming, community feel.

Sneak Peek

Around 3,000 people are expected to pass through the gates this year, and whether you’re coming from Nelson, Blenheim or just down the road, you’ll find there is something for everyone.

For many children, the highlight of the show is getting up close to farm animals. The animal nursery is always a hit, giving little ones the chance to see and sometimes pat their favourites. It’s a rare opportunity for town kids to experience rural life firsthand in a safe, friendly environment.

In the main rings, there will be the ever-popular equestrian classes with the natural grandstand setting making it easy for families to settle in and enjoy the action.

There will be sheep and cattle judging throughout the day, including dairy and beef cattle and a range of sheep breeds. Some rare breeds will be on display, alongside much-admired stud sheep such as the distinctive Valais Blacknose.

Children can enter their own calves or lead pet sheep, creating special memories and perhaps sparking the next generation of rural competitors.

Dog lovers will also be well catered for. The canine classes are guaranteed to bring laughter, especially the obstacle courses, the Bayley’s Terrier race and the crowd-favourite biscuit-catching competition. There is even a canine class for children under 15 years who want to show off their family pet.

Big Events

The ever-popular Rai Challenge obstacle course is back and open to children and adults. It’s a light-hearted test of agility and humour, with farm-themed challenges to the fore, always energetic and entertaining for both
competitors and spectators.

This year Donald Stuart, or Donald the Duck Man as he is best known, will be bringing his herding dog and team of ducks to perform for the crowd which is known for being a crowd favourite.

The Harcourts Rural Really Young Farmers challenge is taking place again, where 5 to 14-year-olds put their practical skills to the test in fun farming-themed activities.

Be sure to not miss the woodchopping or the Biggest Pumpkin contest, either.

NINE95, a Nelson covers band, will be entertaining the crowd throughout the day with a mixture of rock, pop
and blues.

Vintage Extravaganza

This year’s Vintage Extravaganza will add a special layer of interest for motoring enthusiasts.

Expect a colourful lineup of vintage tractors, stationary engines, classic road trucks and retro cars from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Model A vehicles will sit alongside private collections rarely seen in public.

Classes include “Veteran and Vintage Pre-1931s Vehicle with Period Costume for Driver and Occupants of Vehicle”, “Best Presented pre-1940s Vehicle”, and a range of “Best Steam Punk Costume” for children and adults, amongst others.

A standout feature will be a complete collection of Mitsubishi Evolution rally cars – ‘Evos’ 1 through 10. It’s believed there are only a handful of complete collections in the world, making this a special opportunity to see them all lined up together.

Inside the hall, a slideshow of historic photographs will display 90 years of show history making for a wonderful reminder of just how much this event means to
the district.

Country Fair Fun

No A&P Show is complete without classic fairground fun, and the Sturgeon family from Riwaka will once again bring their much-loved rides and sideshows.

Families can enjoy the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, dodgems, and Red Baron planes along with traditional sideshow games, candyfloss, and fairground treats.

There will also be plenty of food vendors onsite, offering everything from coffee and crepes to real fruit ice cream, slushies and a range of delicious food truck options. Whether you’re after a hearty lunch or just something sweet to nibble on, you’ll find plenty of choice.

Step inside the indoor pavilion and you’ll discover another side of rural life. From baking, preserves and homebrew to quilting, knitting, woodwork, metal sculpture, photography and flowers, the indoor sections are a celebration of local talent and pride. There’s a full programme of children’s classes here too.

In honour of the 90th milestone, this year the celebrations will stretch out a little further. While the main programme traditionally wraps up at 4pm, the band, bar and amusements will continue operating until around 6pm, giving families more time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Built on Community

Behind the scenes, the Rai Valley A&P Show is run by a small but dedicated committee of around 10 volunteers, supported by many more helpers and generous sponsors. It costs close to $20,000 each year just to open the gates - covering prize money, trophies, insurance, hall hire and essential operating costs.

“For 90 years, families have gathered here including grandparents who once competed now watching their grandchildren do the same,” says President Justin Morrison, who is a fourth-generation member of the Rai Valley community. “We are so grateful to the generous support from a wide range of people and businesses.”

An opportunity exists to support the Rai Valley A&P Association by joining as a member, which enables families to have discounted entry fees.

There really is nothing quite like the fun and family atmosphere of a traditional A&P Show, so pack the hats and sunscreen, gather the kids and the extended whanau and head to Rai Valley on 7 March. Celebrate 90 years of history, heart and hard work, and enjoy one of Marlborough’s most genuine and joyful family
days out.

The 90th Rai Valley A&P Show is on Saturday 7th March, and gate fees are as follows:
Adult $10
Child 5-16yrs $5
Under 5yrs Free

For more information visit raivalleyshow.co.nz.