The South Island's biggest one-day show is back on Easter Monday.

The Mackenzie A&P Show, in its 126th year, will be held on April 1 at the Mackenzie A&P Showgrounds in Fairlie.

President Hamish McKerchar says the event is a fantastic day out for town and country alike.

"It's a great way for farmers to get off the farm and support a great community event and also for people with no farming connections to come and learn about the agriculture industry while enjoying a vast array of entertainment."

This year's show brings back regular favourites such as the kids' agrisports, Highland dancing, wood chopping, and sheepdog trials.

The New Zealand Kennel Club will host a dog show, and the Jae Bedford School of Entertainment will once again hold a talent quest on The Barwood's stage.

This year, a new highlight will be a youth fencing competition for high school students.

The Mackenzie Young Farmers Club and The Pleasant Point Young Farmers Club will battle it out again in a tug-of-war.

Mckerchar said the event is an important one in the Fairlie community calendar and is a good boost for the local economy, with many visitors stopping in on their way home from Warbirds over Wanaka.

"The MacKenzie Highland Show is one of if not the biggest day in the community.

"It provides a huge influx of people into the area.

"Fairlie is usually a thoroughfare, but on Easter Monday, it is a destination."

Mckerchars' family have a long history of involvement with the Mackenzie A&P Show, and McKerchar said he has enjoyed growing into the role.

"It's been good knowing how much support I have around me on the committee.

"Although I'm the face this year, we have a great committee where everyone knows their roles, gets on, and gets things done.

"Being fourth-generation president and being able to showcase the area to the wider region is something I'm really proud of."

Mackenzie Highland A&P Show overview

·      Show location: Fairlie Showgrounds

·      Show date: Easter Monday, 1 April 2024

·      Parking: Free, entry off of School Road

·      Opening Times: 8am

· Ticket sales (cost/at gate etc): $20 adults, $5 (age 5-15), under 5 free.

· Key Highlights:  A fun family day out with something for everyone for the cost of a movie! You will enjoy watching sheep shearing, a live sheep auction, sheep dog trials, wood chopping, agri-sports, fencing, the NZ Kennel Club and Highland dancing and music. There will be a pet tent and an exhibition of rare and heritage breeds of animals. The Barwoods stage, sponsored by Fairlie Early Learners, will feature Josh Grimaldi, Eddie Simon Music and the Jae Bedford School of Entertainment, entertainment for all ages. There are also all of the standard A&P animals and competitions... the Grand Parade is well worth watching and is followed by the Fairlie Four Square lolly scramble. There will also be a large number of stalls, a variety of food and many other activities.

· Best place to follow for information: www.mackenzieshow.co.nzand Facebook www.facebook.com/mackenzieshow

by Claire Inkson