This year marks a “major milestone” for the Waihī A&P Association – along with one of its long-standing volunteers.
That’s because the 85th Annual Show is on the horizon – November 22 will see the Waihī Showgrounds come alive with crowds, families and animals for an eventful day of fun, market and food stalls and plenty of entertainment.
It’s also a significant year for the Association as they farewell long-standing secretary and treasurer of 50-years, Marilyn Parker, and welcome a new set of people into the committee.
Marilyn, 77, told The Profile she was pleased to see new blood and fresh ideas at the helm.
“It’s made my efforts worthwhile. I’ve been lucky to have been supported by my late husband and family as well, as much as at times it has driven them nuts,” she said.
“But the event is about the wider community, so let’s keep supporting it.”
Marilyn first competed in the calf club at the Waihī A&P Show when she was five years old. “We used to live on Paeroa Rd just out of Waihī and my dad and I would walk the calf from home.
“When I was too old for [the] calf club, I used to help the show secretary for a few years and then stepped up when she went overseas on a holiday in 1973,” she said.
The motivation that kept her serving for 50 years came down to her passion to “keep the movement alive” in Waihī, she said. “I’ve loved the event and want to share that with others.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work over the years, not just from me, but from lots of committee people and presidents over the years.”
The most rewarding part for Marilyn was watching generations of people come through.
“Imagine a little kid riding in the Novice ring, our youngest competitors. They ride into their teens, stop for a bit and then come back and do it with their kids. In some cases now, those little kids are there now as grandparents.
The cattle has been he same – from Calf Club to breeders in their own right,” Marilyn said.
It was Marilyn’s hope that the show would continue to operate.
“It’ll reinvent. New people, fresh ideas and different ways of being but with the same core idea. Town and country together,” she said.
The new committee members, made up of president Jeannine Wiki, secretary Genna Peka, treasurer Kylie Gread and senior vice president Lorrayne Heays, were ready to hit the ground running.
“Our new team is passionate about growing the event for future generations while keeping the heart and heritage that make it such an important part of Waihī’s history,” the committee said. “We’re focused on bringing the show back to its grassroots and creating something the whole community can be proud of.”
People could expect a day full of “country fun”, competition, and community spirit, plus plenty of great food, rides and inflatables for the kids.
There will also be a “fantastic line-up” of stage entertainment on show all day.
“From horses, ponies, calves, lambs, and goats to dairy cattle and trade stalls – there’s something for everyone.
“As a new committee, we’re excited to see months of planning come to life and to continue building on the legacy left by those before us. There’s nothing quite like watching the community come together and knowing you’ve helped make it happen.
“It’s the perfect mix of traditional show charm and local energy.
“The show is part of Waihi’s DNA. It’s been a fixture on the local calendar for generations, celebrating the people, animals, and businesses that make our rural community so special.”
DETAILS: Waihī A&P Show 85th Annual Show is on November 22 from 9am to 3pm at Waihī Showgrounds SH2. Entry is $5 per adult, $2 per child, $12 per family and free for age five and under.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
