The year the Show did not go on

2021 was the first year the Show hasn’t gone ahead since 1891 so it was a decision A & P Association committee took very seriously, aware of that history and the impact on our community.

 Erica McNeil, PBAPA General Manager says, “The showgrounds is a community venue, and the Annual A & P Show is something that so many look forward to and rely on.”

 “It’s our largest and most high-profile event of the year, but there’s more to it than that. There’s so much history.”

 The Show has been enjoyed by thousands of people for over 140 years and is an annual opportunity to celebrate our rural heritage. Local businesses and fundraising groups also felt the impact with the cancellation of the two day event, but totally understood the decision.

 Thankfully the support for the A & P Endowment Fund has remained strong, which Erica is grateful for as in the years to come this fund will mean regular funding for the A&P Association.

 Sunrise executive officer, Glenda Stokes says, “A donation to their fund will help secure the future of the A & P Show by guaranteeing a reliable source of income forever.”

 For the Poverty Bay Committee, the fund is a way to help future proof the showgrounds and keep facilities up to date, both for our community and visitors to the campground who are an added source of income.