There was a time when tides set the date for the annual Opotiki A&P Show, says show secretary Doug Wheeler.
This year’s show on March 11 will celebrate 125 years since the first agricultural show was held in Opotiki – and setting that date was easy.
However, says Doug, the organisers of early events had to work closely with the Northern Steam Ship Company, which was the main transport link for the towns of the Bay of Plenty.
Elegantly dressed crowds at the Opotiki A&P Show of 1906. Police paddock A farming equipment show at Opotiki in 1892.
“Their ships brought from Auckland and Tauranga visitors to the show as well as judges for the competitive events. Prize money and goods as well as prizes were also supplied by Auckland merchants and suppliers.
“Before the dates could be set the tide charts had to be consulted as to when the ships would be able to get in and out of the Ohiwa or Opotiki Harbour and allow a favourable timing to be established for visitors to the show,” says Doug.
The first show was held on March 10, 1892, using the ‘Police Paddock’.
“However, in the last century, a number of shows have not been held, principally in times of the two world wars, or epidemics, floods and other weather events. As a result, 2017 is the 118th show,” says Doug.
Competitive ploughing events were popular with the local farmers and had been run for some years before the formation of an Agricultural and Pastoral Association in the town.
“It has been the input of the community in stallholders selling wares and products along with local community group demonstrating their skills that has revived the show,” says Doug.
To celebrate the 125th anniversary plans are to showcase items of the type that could have been displayed or demonstrated at shows throughout the decades, and to contrast those with newer displays.
Doug says a number of people have come forward to offer exhibits of old machinery, tractors, cars, bicycles, boats and smaller objects.
“Plans are to group these items into periods of time and themes covering every decade of the show’s existence.
Period costumes
“Visitors to the show are encouraged to wear costumes or clothing of a period of time.”
Members of vintage car clubs and other motoring groups have been invited, as well as local collectors and operators of machinery. Space is available for a wide variety of exhibits both in action and as static displays. “Items do not have to be in pristine condition, but to be seen as working examples. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to bring along items for display.”
The Opotiki A&P Show will be held at the showgrounds at the northern end of St John St on March 11 from 9am. Entry is free
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