Stratford A&P Association

About

Nestled in the shadow of Mt.Taranaki, the Stratford showgrounds provide a picturesque setting for the annual A&P show. Held on the last weekend in November.

Story

Welcome to Stratford A&P - Home of the Stratford Show
For over 100 years Taranaki folk of all ages have flocked to the Stratford A&P showgrounds under the mountain to enjoy the annual show and its wide range of attractions.

In the early days, dressed up the nines, they walked, rode on horseback and arrived in gigs and drays for one of the big events on the Taranaki calendar. Farmers, townsfolk and kids of all ages were drawn to a social event that drew people by their thousands.
With the advent of the motorcar numbers increased and today, despite the huge range of other social activities on offer, the show still pulls in huge crowds.

Last year 15,000 people came through the gates and this year, in the last weekend of November, a similar sized crowd is expected.

The emphasis this year is on children and families. Myrtus and Strawberry the clowns will entertain, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Elmo will be mixing with the kids for photo opportunities.
A special area for kids will also feature childrens’ games including giant noughts and crosses, chess, draughts and Connect Four. Old fashioned games like sock races and egg and spoon races will be run by local students.

A special guest that was a hit last year will be Chelsea Marriner of Rotorua and her performing working dogs. Chelsea’s Dogmatic Trick Dog Team has entranced people of all ages all over the country and they have twice appeared on New Zealand’s Got Talent. Not to be missed.

McDonalds Farm Barn is a must-see for youngsters. A huge array of animals is on show, including many young animals that can be petted and handled. This is always a big draw card at the show.

To make life easy for families here will be free sunscreen available, baby changing facilities and a sit down area with a cup of tea for those needing a break.

You can watch cows being milked, sheep being shorn and the fleece spun and knitted.

As always there’s an impressive line-up of livestock at the show. Exhibitors of dairy and beef cattle, horses and pigs are invited to compete against some of the country’s top-bred animals for great prize money and recognition. For children there is a calf club section as well as a class for pet lambs.

There will be dog trials and vintage farm machinery on show, as well as Highland dancing competitions.
The popular pig racing is back, there’s wood chopping and sawing by the world famous local club.
Trade exhibitors and stall holders cannot afford to miss being part of Stratford’s biggest annual event. The show is a cost effective way to promote businesses, and also a great opportunity to display latest products and new ideas to a mix of rural and urban customers. There will be over 100 trade exhibits on display this year.

Food stalls will cater to the hungry and the ever-popular sideshows will be up and running for all ages.

There are 92 A&P Shows around New Zealand and the Stratford event is up there with the best of them. Don’t miss it.

Next Show…..
The show kicks off on Friday November 28 with the equestrian events and the gates open to the public on Saturday and Sunday November 29 and 30 for non-stop activities from 9am to 4pm.

Gate Charges:
Adult $10.00
Children $3.00
Children under 5 free
Family $25.00 – 2 adults and up to 4 children