121st Helensville A&P Show

Come along to the 121st Helensville A&P Show for a great family day out, complete with farm and competition animals. This year is all about Dairy so you can see a cow and a sheep being milked, have a go at making butter, taste some beautiful dairy products or just pat a pet calf. Elsewhere you can watch the shearer and feel the soft, warm wool, straight off the sheep's back, then admire the spinners and knitters who take the sheep's fleeces and create clothing. If you're a dog lover you can see the clever sheep dogs in action or cover your ears when they have a bark-up (to see who is the loudest Huntaway!). Bring your family pet dog and enter in the Vets North Pet Dog Show or Terrier Race (the Terrier Race is only open to Fox Terriers or Jack Russells). Blacksmiths will be trimming horses' feet and crafting things out of metal. You can follow the Junior Farmer competition over at the Universal Cranes community stage.

Competition continues all day in the equestrian rings where you can see beautiful miniature horses, ponies, hacks, Standardbreds, Pintos, Pleasure horses, Sport horses and Welsh. In the afternoon there is also Hunter jumping with the Waitemata Hunt Club. Visit the Livestock arenas in the morning for the pet rings which include lambs, calves and goats. The beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goat rings compete throughout the day or the animals are available to admire.

Don't miss the indoor displays of baking, horticulture, floral art, preserves, arts & crafts, Maori crafts, photography and artwork and separate children's classes.

There are rides and games galore, free giant puzzles and of course ice cream, coffee, hotdogs & chips, candy floss - 20 options of food on offer. You can even bring your own picnic if you would rather and find a cosy spot to spread your picnic rug (tip - up the hill gives you a great view of the grounds and all that is going on). Free water is available at the Laser Plumbing Silverdale stand or the Lions Kitchen, so BYO water containers - or shout yourself a nice cool beer at our local award-winning Liberty Brewing Company and listen to the music on the main stage.

Don't forget to wander around the stalls, checking out the crafts, food and services for sale, seeing the big machinery and entering the various competitions. Seniors might like to have a wee break at the Seniors Drop-in Zone on the CAB stand. And families with new babes are welcome to feed and change baby at the Helensville Birthing Unit space. Our wonderful Helensville Librarians are doing readings throughout the day or maybe stop by and watch the Highland Dancers performing or listen to the Hibiscus Coast Pipe Band.

You'll have a fabulous day out in the country, learn a little of what it is like to be a farmer and enjoy the entertainment with your friends and family. We'd love to see you.