Royal attention for Show sheep

After Covid cancelling both 2020 and 2022 shows, the organisers of the Mackenzie A&P Highland Show are aiming to make their 125th Show in 2023 the biggest and best ever.

] by Kent Caddick

The 125th Mackenzie A&P Highland Show will be held on Easter Monday, April 10 at the Mackenzie A&P Showground in Fairlie.

It is regarded as the largest one-day Show in New Zealand with up to 15,000 through the gates.

“We want people to know there is a full day of entertainment and activities for the whole family for less than the cost of going to the movies. It’s a fun, family day out with something for everyone.”

The Mackenzie A&P Show is affiliated with The Royal Agricultural Society, which was es- tablished in 1924 and is one of the few organisations in New Zealand with a ‘Royal’ charter.

With the support of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand (RAS), the Mackenzie A&P Show promotes the development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, stock-raising and forestry resources in the South Canterbury Region.

This year the Show will host a Royal event in the Sheep section. Royal Events were introduced by the National A&P Association (the RAS) in 2001. A Royal Event allows A&P Associations to promote and feature a specific section at their Show. The RAS Supreme

Champion Medal and red, white and blue ribbon is awarded to Supreme Champions in these sections. RAS Champion Medals and ribbons are also awarded.

“This is quite an honour and will draw large entries from throughout the country.”

As well as the Royal Event in the Sheep section, there will be plenty to see and do at the Show including Sheep dog trials, sheep auction, woodchopping, Mackenzie Shears (shearing competition), Kids Agri-Sports, Pet Tent(run by the Young Farmers Club), Shepherd’s Hack Competition, Vintage Machinery display, Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band, and of course the Grand Parade.

There will be over 150 shopping sites as well as carnival rides, and a large variety of food stalls and exhibits. The Show in fitting with the Highland theme will feature highland dancing, piping and solo drumming.

Entertainment on the Barwoods Entertainment Stage will feature Craig Smith of ”Wonky Donkey” fame, local musician Brad Stehle and the Mackenzie’s Got X-Factor Talent Quest run by The Bedford School of Music.

For more information including timetable and schedule go to www.facebook.com/mackenzieshow or the Show’s website www.mackenzieshow.co.nz