Katikati is in for a whopper of a country fair on February 2 when the Katikati A&P Society hosts its 100th show at the Uretara Domain.

Society president Louellen Davies and her committee are organising a plethora of activities for young and old to bring the much-loved show to life for 2025 while also marking the centennial.

“The show is more than ‘just an event’. It is, and has always been, a celebration of our community,” said Davies, who expects a large turnout for the day.

According to Western Bay of Plenty Archives, the first show was opened by George Vesey Stewart on March 13, 1913, at the showgrounds and “was a great day of rejoicing for the whole district”.

Next year’s event – on Sunday, February 2 – has become the 100th show after a few no-show years. So for 2025, a number of special events are planned to mark the anniversary.

Davies said the Equestrian Competition will include Show Hunter Jumping with a top prize of $1200. There will be an International Wrestling Competition thanks to Katikati Wrestling Club, a Wood Chopping Display, Home Industries and Photography Competitions will also nod to the centenary – as will a Time Warp called ‘A Moment in Time’.

“Katikati’s Don Wallis is organising the time warp display of vehicles, which ‘travel’ through previous years of the show,” said Davies.

A section focuses on the show’s 1913 beginnings with cars and machinery from that era, which will tie in with Western Bay Museum offering early-day activities.

With the show stopped in the 1940s due to WWII, there will be a display of military vehicles and jeeps thanks to Nick Flegg. A time warp around 1964 will show hay-baling machinery and cars from this era, and there will be modern displays too."

A special opening, presentation, and centennial luncheon for life and committee members, is also planned.

For those who want to enjoy the usual rural fun, Davies said there will be activities, entertainment, stalls and food trucks on offer from 9am.

This includes Katikati Concert Band, Waihi Goldmine Country Music Club, Waihi Highland Pipe Band, the Dancing Divas, a Highland Dancing Competition and a Yesteryear-Style Fashion Parade – so get dressed up for the day!

“Reptiles from Reptile World, a Pet Sheep Show, a Puppet Show by Katikati Theatre Group, train rides, a rock climbing wall, donkey rides, tractor rides, a Scarecrow Competition and much more will be on offer too,” said Davies.

“So come along to Uretara Domain from 9am Sunday, February 2.”