If last year’s Te Puke A&P Show was big, this year’s was absolutely huge.

The show last Saturday was the 119th and, while numbers have yet to be finalised, it looks like it may well have set a new benchmark, said show society secretary Kim Cawte.

“The crowd was record-breaking. It was more than last year and last year was the biggest we’ve ever had.”

She said it was ”just as well” there were 26 food sites to cater for everyone.

Maia Wright, 14, gets a cuddle with one of the many puppies in the pet area. Photo: Stuart Whitaker

Rearrangement of attractions and competitions at the showgrounds proved to be a hit, with the fun dog ring being given a more prominent location, the horse float area moved to the opposite side of the arena to the tractor pulling and more use being made of the trees and their shade.

“There were no reports or complaints about horses bolting and lots of people were coming up to me all day saying thank you for changing things around.”

Attractions

Wagon rides behind a team of Clydesdales thanks to Ross Wilson, a Clydesdales show and a cocktail kart were all new additions to the show this year.

There were about 80 trade stands, a bigger area for the mower racing and close to 20 eye-catching vehicles on display.

“Pet corner was amazing and there were loads of puppies there and they were all selling.”

Ross Wilson and his Clydesdales. Photo: Stuart Whitaker

Spectators at the shearing competition were treated to new seats – pews bought from the Orchard Church – and they were well used, with some great crowds watching the competitions.

The cow section was the biggest of recent years and the pony club had a great turnout.

Cawte said she was rapt at the way the show went.

“We are lucky we’ve got such huge grounds – and it all worked.”

She said she has already started preparing for next year’s show.