Get set, it'll be quite a show

Jack Barlow | Friday, February 17, 2012 8:53

BE AFRAID ... BE VERY AFRAID: John Mahon of Mahons Amusements in front of the Ghost Train. PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA

It's showtime again as the Trust House Masterton A&P; show starts today at the historic Solway Showgrounds.

Events include entertainment such as the duck'n'dog show, in which dogs herd ducks around a course, alpacas and music from the Wairarapa Folk Club.

Home industry displays, set up under the grandstand and including cooking and plants, will feature a bumper crop of vegetables this year - the result of the wet summer season.

As well, there will be a live farrier display by blacksmith James Vissers, Clydesdale horse rides and the ever-popular showjumping competition.

The programme today includes showjumping and show-hunting horse events, followed by the Night Show, with free entry from 7pm.

Show manager Ally O'Neill said despite facing competition from several other shows in the region, this year's show would be a good one and should attract a crowd.

"Over the two days there should be around 8000 to 9000 people."

Alongside the various entertainments and foods, the sideshows will feature a range of games and shows to thrill and entertain, from revolving clown heads to The Explorer, which organisers boast is New Zealand's fastest ride.

John Mahon of Mahons Amusements said his company toured throughout the year from Whangarei to Wellington.

Mr Mahon said attendance at shows so far this year had been a surprise improvement over last year.

"We're quite happy, it's been better than we anticipated," he said.

"It's definitely showing some improvement - and the good weather is definitely a good sign."

Tonight entry is free into the show from 7pm till 10pm, while the rest of the entertainment will kick off at 8am tomorrow with the sheep-n-show at 10.30am.

The show runs until Sunday afternoon, when the grand parade at 2pm should wind up proceedings in style.