The Mt Beautiful Cheviot A&P Show will be held on March 9 this year, after being cancelled in 2022 and 2023 due to COVID restrictions and inclement weather.

Show co-president Emma Mulcock says the Cheviot A&P Association has been looking forward to welcoming the event back to the showgrounds.

"The A&P Show brings together the exhibits and talents of the Cheviot community and also gives a chance for the community to catch up with each other in these days of increasingly busy lives," Mulcock says.

This year's theme for the show is "Grow Cheviot", which aims to showcase the experiences, talent and produce that the Cheviot area offers.

Trade exhibitors will be back this year with everything from helicopters to tractors. Sheep shearing, dog trails and steer riding will be show-day highlights.

There will be a fashion in the field contest, and a woolly wearable art competition that must include wool, be mainly from recycled materials and kiwiana themed.

"The sheep shearing this year should attract lots of competition with good prize money on offer.

"Then there are all the usual shed displays, including cooking, flowers, fruit and vegetables, photography, imaginative creations, and the local schools' and preschools' creative displays.

"People should come for a fun-filled family day out. There's something for everyone."

There will be local entertainment throughout the show, with the band Blue Groove playing at the end-of-day community barbecue.

Mulcock said she has enjoyed working with different community members to make the show a success.

"A&P Shows keep the spirit of the community alive.

"They are a chance for communities to come together and celebrate the district's diversity and all they have to offer visitors."

Cheviot Show Overview

·      Show name: Cheviot A&P Show

·      Show location:  Seddon Street, Cheviot

·      Show date: Saturday 9^th March

·      Parking: On showgrounds and in streets around the grounds

· President: Chris & Emma Mulcock

· Vice president: None (immediate past – Phil & Lynda Dickson)

·      Opening Times:  Gates open 7am, equestrian events start from 8am, trade sites open from 9am

· Ticket sales (cost/at gate etc)  $10 per adult, children under 16 free

· Key Highlights:  With a theme to “grow cheviot” we’re aiming to showcase Cheviot. We may only be a small town but we have so much to offer and we want the community and wider public to see that. Our equestrian focus is smaller this year but we’re hoping that will make it all the more inviting for our younger competitors. We still have a range of classes available to suit all ages and abilities. There’s some big prize money up for grabs in the shearing and the Parker Davies memorial trophy will be awarded to a local competitor with the most points. Our shed sections are always a highlight, showcasing some of the talent the people of Cheviot have to offer. We have entertainment by locals, lots of fun for the kids and a few new trade sites this year that we are pretty excited about.

· Best place to follow for information: Facebook is the best place to get more information - https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheviotshow

· Tickets purchased at the gate, entries made online at https://showday.online/show/cheviot

by Claire Inkson