The A&P Show season is about to kick off in style, with the much-anticipated Ellesmere Show opening its gates at the Leeston showgrounds on Saturday, October 19.

Show president Ian Fleming said the event is one of the biggest one-day shows and a great way to prepare stock for the A&P season.

Fleming, a breeder of Red Poll cattle, is adding his own touch to this year's show with a Beef and Wool theme.

"Every president comes up with a theme to follow the president's interests.

"Of course, mine is cattle, and I needed something to go with it, so I chose wool."

Ellesmere Show vice president Alastair Barnett said the various events happening throughout the show make the day unique.

"It absolutely not to be missed."

A Wearable Arts competition features a wool-themed parade in the CLAAS Harvest Centre marquee, along with a blade shearing demonstration to honour the past.

Innovation takes the spotlight with cross-bred wool products such as Terralana insulation on display and Kiwi favourites like Swaandri and Bremworth carpets.

There's plenty for children, including rides, games, a farmyard full of baby farm animals, face painting, and a "find the needle in the haystack" competition.

Those who aren't squeamish can get up close and personal with some slippery locals in the form of a tank of Lake Ellesmere Long Fin Eels.

Equestrian events will take place on Friday and Saturday in the Baileys arena, and miniature pony rides will be available for young aspiring riders.

Barbecue competition Smoke by the Lake returns, but this time, it features competitors from across the country as the Show partners with the New Zealand Barbecue Alliance for the first time.

"We are looking at around 25 contestants lining up, who will be manning their smokers and barbecues throughout Friday night and will start cooking Saturday morning.

"They will be cooking four different classes of meat."

The Selwyn Heritage Park, which Barnett said isn't fully functional yet, will provide a sneak peek for attendees when it opens on the day, with access from the showgrounds.

"They have a lot of local history and British machinery there.

"There are some old cottages and the South Bridge jail."

Attendees can leave their cars at home with free buses funded by Selwyn District Council departing from Rolleston and Lincoln in the morning and back at the end of the day.

"It's very popular with families.

"Parents can drop their kids at the bus, send them off to the show for the day, and pick them up off the bus later."

The highlight of the day will be the Grand Parade.

According to Barnett, the committee has really upped the ante for this year's parade.

"It's the highlight of the day.

"We are making the Grand parade bigger and better than it has been for a few years."

By Claire Inkson