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The little show that could

The little show that could
The tracftor pull is a highlight at the Mayfield show. Photo Claire Inkson

The world-famous annual pig race is set to hog the limelight once again at this year’s Mayfield A&P show, and race convenor Matt Sinton has been busy getting the unlikely athletes ready for the big event.

“We spend five to six weeks training them at home on the farm.

“We slowly introduce them to the course, and then on show day on March 8, they are ready to race.”

All ten pigs are donated to the show, and each pig has a sponsor and a number.

Spectators can buy a ticket to back their pig of choice at the event, with races running on the hour from 11 am until 3 pm.

Pigs are rewarded for their efforts after the event finale with treats from Sims Bakery.

“We make up a banquet in the middle of the course with custard squares and cakes, and after the final race, we put all the pigs in there, and they have a great old time.”

In addition to the pig racing, the event will include all the show staples, such as trade sites, a produce pavilion, a pet tent and live entertainment.

Show president Tim Rowe has been involved with the A&P show for eleven years and describes it as “the best show around.”

“It’s important we keep it going for the community; it’s a really affordable day out for families,” Rowe says.

Children will be treated to a performance by Elgregoe the Magician and the usual assortment of rides and games.

“It’s a great show for kids; there’s so much for them to do.”

Rowe’s passion is the tractor pull, which Rowe says “draws a hell of a crowd.”

“It’s pretty well supported by contractors and farmers around the place.

“There is generally a crowd standing at the bar all day watching.”

The show, which will celebrate its 100th event next year, has a long history of punching above its weight with an enthusiastic, innovative and determined committee at its helm.

The first Mayfield Show was in 1920.

An article in the Ashburton Guardian at the time reported a large crowd at the inaugural event and “favourable weather”, stating, “The idea of holding a show at Mayfield is not, many months old, but the energy, initiative and optimism of the local enthusiasts transformed that idea into fact, the result being the really creditable exhibition at Mayfield to-day.”

Two years later, the show was deemed an annual fixture on the Mid Canterbury calendar, with the Ashburton Guardian calling the programme of events, which included car driving, sheaf throwing and chain stepping, “ambitious” and declared it “the social event of the year.”

The show hasn’t been without its challenges, though.

In 1925, it was cancelled due to the polio epidemic as “a precautionary measure.”

During the war, it was cancelled between 1941 and 1946 for five years because of reductions in petrol allowances and “the need for manpower to be devoted to production.”

In 2022, a resurgence of covid led to the show once again being called off.

Despite these setbacks, the show has always made a spectacular comeback.

Rowe says the secret to the show’s success is its volunteers.

“The whole committee is amazing, the president doesn’t really do anything, it’s just a title.

“It’s the convenors and the committee that make it what it is.”

All you need to know before you go

Mayfield A&P Show

Show location: Mayfield Showgrounds

Show date: March 8

Parking: Entrance off Highway 72

President: Tim Rowe

Vice president: James Murdoch

Opening Times:  9 am-4 pm

Ticket sales : $15pp, school-age children free

Key Highlights:

Elgregoe the Magician, pig racing, tractor pull, live music in the village green.

The best place to follow for information:

Mayfield Show Facebook page

Entries through Showday Online.