2020 Paparoa Show

Yesterday was going to be another boring day at home for me until I read online that the Paparoa A & P Show (Agricultural and Pastoral) was on, I had forgotten about it.  I probably wouldn't have gone until I asked my other half if he was working over there, luckily he was so I got him to drop me off and pick me up later. Moving along...this is one of the food trucks they have there - now if you haven't tried a bacon butty or a seafood fritter you're not living. Bacon Butties - bacon sandwiches. Seafood fritters - a type of fritter that is full of seafood, like oysters, mussels, fish etc.

This is an event that attracts people from all of the surrounding areas. Paparoa for us is a very small country town about 35 minutes away - it's very much a farming region so local farmers will bring their stock to show. This family bought pigs, lambs and goats so people could experience like a petting zoo.

Unfortunately we are still in the midst of a drought here, we haven't had rain since last November and with it being Summer here the temperatures have been in the late 20s early 30s - there has been word from the weather forecasters that we are due for 40 degrees celsius next week.  This area is for the horses and rodeo - I'm not a fan of roping and catching cows but that's just me.  These were some of the riders warming up for the event.

This guy was more than happy to pose for my camera shot - he was part of the rodeo too.  A bit of info about Paparoa: there is a population there of about 270 people. It has a hugely rich history of Maori tribal warfare and settlement in Colonial times. In the 19th century it became a major shipping and boat-building centre when Kauri milling was an industry.

As I was here in the first couple of hours this photo was taken looking out over the horse trailers that were being set up - more would've been here as the day progressed. I did end up seeing one of my best friends there though so it was good to catch up with her.

Another event was calf showing. 2 of my children when they were growing up took part in calf club, where they were given a calf by a local farmer, they met up once a week to get to know the calf, train it and then the calves were taken to school for their calf club day - if their calf behaved and they lead it around the ring well they were given ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

This was the senior calf showing event, they would've had junior later on. As you can see in the background the land looks quite dry. They must've had a bit of rain here as the grass in this picture is still green. Where we live everything is brown, we haven't had rain since last November so we are desperate for some moisture. We have had temperatures going into the 20s, 30s  but next week 40 degrees celsius has been predicted.

I love these guys. Can't ever beat a Scottish Highland Band - the sound of the bagpipes is just awesome. After spending a couple of hours here my other half picked me up so thankfully I was back in the air-conditioning of his work truck.

Just to be clear there would've been way more events happening after I left such as wood chopping, equestrian and sheep shearing, I just couldn't stay any longer.