Sponsored: Flaxbourne Show marks 100 Years with big day at Weld Park

Weld Park in Ward will come alive on Sunday 22 March as the Flaxbourne A&P Show celebrates a remarkable milestone, its 100th year. One of New Zealand’s longer running agricultural and pastoral shows, the event has been a fixture on the rural calendar for generations and continues to draw visitors from across Marlborough as well as neighbouring areas including Canterbury, Picton, Blenheim and Nelson.

Adrienne Matthews

Over the past century the show has built a reputation for combining genuine rural competition with a relaxed, carnival like atmosphere that makes it a favourite outing for families. From livestock judging and equestrian competitions to children’s activities, food stalls and amusement rides, the show offers something for everyone who enjoys a day in the country.

This year’s show is once again being led by Angus Moore, who brings a lifetime of experience to the role. Angus has been involved with the event since childhood, working alongside his father in organising the shearing competition. Today he and his wife, Ratapu, run a shearing contracting business and remain deeply connected to the rural community.

For Angus, the show is about more than competition; it is about bringing people together. “I like the interaction you see between town and country,” he says. “It’s good to see people who live in town coming out to experience what rural life is like.”

He also enjoys seeing the younger generation fully involved in the day. “It’s great to see all the kids doing their things for the show,” he says. “The local kids really get stuck into it, entering all sorts of competitions, from horse riding to baking, arts and crafts.”

At its heart are the traditional A&P events such as the horse and pony competitions. Sheep judging is another cornerstone of the programme, attracting keen interest from farmers and visitors alike.

This year there is a big increase of entries in the popular indoor sections. Competitors will be displaying their talents in cooking, home produce, vegetables, flowers, sewing, knitting and handcrafts.

The biggest growth is in the Amateur Photography section, where more than 330 photographs have been submitted. As the photographs are judged before the show begins, the judge is expected to face a particularly difficult task selecting the winners from such a large and high-quality of entries.

There is a wide range of creative classes available for children including art, Lego construction, papier mâché, woodwork, suncatchers, flower arrangements, vegetables and jewellery. There are even art classes for children under three years old, ensuring the youngest members of the community can take part.

Alongside the traditional competitions are a number of entertaining events that add to the show’s lively atmosphere. The Spouse Carrying Competition promises plenty of laughter, while the ever-popular Ngaio
Downs Contracting Flaxbourne Flyer returns once again to test both nerve and balance.

At around 1.15pm the Motorworld Group Terrier Race will take place, one of the most entertaining events of the day. Despite its name, the race welcomes all small dogs and rarely goes exactly according to plan, with dogs often dashing in every direction except the finish line. A special “Hard Luck” prize is awarded to the competitor whose dog proves the most creatively uncooperative.

Young rural enthusiasts will have the chance to test their skills in the Harcourts Marlborough Rural Flaxbourne Future Farmer Competition. Running from 10am to 12pm, the competition is open to children aged between five and twelve years or those currently attending primary school. Participants will tackle a series of fun farming themed challenges designed to highlight practical skills and teamwork.

Carol Schofield has been part of the local community for more than two decades, and for the past five years she has taken charge of the popular “My Pet” classes for preschool and primary school children, a section that always brings plenty of smiles and surprises.

For Carol, the joy of the event lies in seeing children proudly presenting their animals. “It’s lovely to see them coming along with their pets,” she says.

The variety of entries keeps things interesting. “We get a real mix, from dogs, chickens, sheep and lambs,” she explains. “I never quite know what kind of pet will turn up.”

Shearing competitions will once again draw strong interest, with competitors of different ages demonstrating the speed and precision required in this traditional rural trade while the Grand Parade will bring together the horses and riders in a colourful display.

This year sees the H Blackwell Contracting Family Scarecrow Competition with a total of $850 in prize money. Families are invited to get creative and build their own scarecrow, with the only requirement being that straw must be visible and the scarecrow must have a name displayed. Entries need to be delivered to the Centre Shed before 9.30am on show day, along with a $5 entry fee.

More than 70 trade, craft, food and refreshment stalls will be operating on site, offering everything from handmade goods to ice creams, drinks and local produce. Face painting will be available for younger visitors and the Marlborough Vintage Machinery group will be presenting a display of historic equipment.

Sturegoen amusements will also be returning for the Flaxbourne show, bringing a range of classic rides including the Chair o Plane, Ferris wheel, Red Baron, Merry Go Round and a bouncy castle. No visit would be complete without their traditional show treats of hotdogs, chips and candy floss.

Health awareness will also be part of the day, with the Melanoma New Zealand van, sponsored by FMG, attending until 2.30pm to provide free spot checks while Resonate, a new hearing health care provider, is offering free otoscopy (looking into ears).

Another fun challenge is the Giant Pumpkin Growing Competition. Seeds were distributed to entrants in and, regardless of size, all pumpkins are welcome, with a special hard luck prize available.

Visitors are also encouraged to dress in period costume to help celebrate the show’s century long history. A special pictorial booklet covering the ten decades of the Flaxbourne Show will be available for purchase from the office on show day. It can also be obtained afterwards by contacting [email protected] or through the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre.

The day will conclude with the always exciting Ironman Competition, where teams of four take on a demanding rural challenge. Competitors must ride a bike, shear a sheep, cross cut saw a log and roll a bale of wool, creating a fast-paced finale that draws enthusiastic crowds.

Admission to the show is $10 per adult, with entry free for those under 17 years of age. Eftpos will be available at both the gate and the show office.

Thanks to the dedication of the organising committee, generous sponsors and the strong support of the local community, the 100th Flaxbourne A&P Show promises to be a memorable celebration of rural life and a fantastic family day out.