The Methven A&P Show is set to be a cracker this year, with something for everyone from utes to water buffalo when gates open on March 16.

Methven A&P president Trevor Monson says the show has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with events throughout the entire day.

“There is something of interest for all ages. It’s affordable for families, with a lot of free experiences for children, including pony rides, animal petting & face painting.”

An new art precinct will include works from local artists featuring  Hannah Kidd, Jo Gerard, Gina Ensor  and Amelia Guild.

The Methven Ute Muster, in its third year, will be taking place at the show and is set to be a highlight, A&P show vice president Ben Streeter says.

“It just keeps getting bigger every year, and there’s something for everyone.

“There’s farm and tradie utes and vintage ones. There’s everything, and it draws a completely different crowd.”

Entries for the ute muster can be made on the day and are $30, which includes entry to the show.

Other show day highlights include wood chopping, sheep shearing, gumboot throwing, tug of war and the Scottish tradition of sheaf tossing.

“A sheaf was traditionally a bag of chaff from when they used to harvest the oats.

“It’s a really old tradition where you throw this bag of chaff over a bar, which is like a rugby goalpost.”

The bar is lifted higher and higher, with a prestigious cup being awarded for the highest throw.

The hands-on animal shed has been extended to showcase a wool display, a sheep section and a vast array of animals, including eels, puppies, a poultry section, a bee hive display and an Italian water buffalo named Truffles.

Truffles’ owner, Kayla John, says Truffles loves cuddles, scratches and bread but can be a little shy with strangers.

“Truffles was born a few days before Christmas 2021, which is how we landed on Truffles for a name,” John said.

“He was super tiny at birth and has been slow to grow, but what he lacks in height, he makes up for in girth.”

A community bar with live entertainment will be open from 3 pm on the side of the show ring.

“It’s a good atmosphere down there,” Streeter said.

“Last year was the first year we moved the bar ringside, and it worked really well.”

by Claire Inkson