AMY RUSS
The Nelson A&P Associations biggest fundraiser of the year is poised for a fantastic weekend showcasing the regions food, farm animals, products and skills in a spectacular mix of colour, excitement and competition. The Golden Edge A&P Show attracts around 12,000 visitors through its gates and is an opportunity for the community to gather, enjoy fun family-filled entertainment throughout the two days.
There have only ever been three interruptions to the Show since its inception in 1893. In 1918 it was postponed due to the influenza epidemic, then twice during the 1940s due to World War II. In 2021, due to Covid restrictions, the Show had to run with a difference in a reduced Members and Competitors only capacity. This year organisers promise a ‘fun for all’ event with loads of entertainment, plenty of food options, musical performances, carnival rides, trade exhibits, handmade crafts, woodchopping, shearing, Highland Dancing, Equestrian Games, animal competitions, plus indoor competitions including Cookery, Horticulture, Photography, the Children’s Competitions and Wine and Beer exhibits.
Organising the annual event is no mean feat, but the love of the Show keeps the passion alive. Manager of Richmond Park, Annette Robinson and her team say they really love how it still brings people together as it was first originally intended to back in 1893. “It is providing children with the chance to have contact with the animals that they don’t normally get to see. The Town and Country Vet Animal Experience is always a big hit, and not just with the younger generation either.”
“I love seeing people enjoying all the Show competitions and fully engaging with everything that is on offer, how the kids really get a kick out of showing their parent’s their exhibits and the prizes that they have won. I especially love seeing when people have made a day of it, they come in the morning and leave late in the day, smiling and maybe just a little exhausted.”
Unique to the region is the largest woodchopping event in the top of the South and a few other competitions that people may not be aware of. “We have a quite compact layout which makes it possible to see everything with ease throughout the day. There is something for everyone, for the animal lovers we have events like the Mounted Equestrian Games and the Doggy Fashion Show, events that not every Show has and for the people that love machines there is the CCNZ Nelson Marlborough Regional Excavator Operator Competition.”
In 1895, then Prime Minister John Seddon stated that, “It is necessary to take advantage of every improvement possible so that we may keep up to date – we must keep pace with the times – those who conduct the Nelson A & P deserve every credit and sympathy, for their work is in the interest of every man, woman and child in the district." That statement still rings true today, members say, with organisers and committee members working hard to ensure the event remains alive for the community.
As the Nelson A&P organisation is a registered charity, many members freely volunteer their time generously to ensure Richmond Park, and the Show, is kept in good order. Working tirelessly to archive the Associations history is Kirstan Robinson, who released her publication, ‘From the Country to the Town – A History of the Nelson A&P Association’ in honour of the 125th Show. “This year we are releasing another book entitled, ‘Beyond the Gates: The Nelson A&P Show & Other Memories' celebrating our Show as well as the institution that is Richmond Park. There will be a special show price if you buy it during the weekend and it will be possible to bundle our first and second book together and buy it for a great price also.”
The Dog Trials and the Sheep Shearing competitions will take place on Saturday, and the Discover Dogs display and ever-popular Terrier Racing kicks off on Sunday. Show times run from 9am through to 4pm, both days, and standard one-day gate tickets cost $20 for a family of up to two adults and three children, $10 for adults aged over 17 years, and $5 for children aged 6 to 16years. “There is free parking within the Richmond Showgrounds, and please be courteous to our volunteer gate attendants who are there to help.”
“Bring a picnic, or purchase refreshments from the food court. There is lots of free entertainment available including musical performances at the main stage and numerous demonstrations situated all over the Show!” Organisers encourage people to bring cash, but there will be a cash out facility available on-site from the Nelson A&P Office in the back of Birch Hall.
“We would like to extend a very special thanks to our many and varied Sponsors, without you we couldn't do what we do!”
