Cold morning weather – or the $35 gate ticket price, was no dampener judging by the enthusiasm of visitors thronging to the 56th annual Fieldays that kicked off this Wednesday morning at Mystery Creek.
Long queues had already started forming at least an hour earlier before the gates opened at 8am on the first day of 4-days event. With some showers expected on Thursday and Friday, people were not taking any chances, so thronged the event in droves. By 9am traffic was almost bumper to bumper on road leading to Mystery Creek.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and leader of opposition, Chris Hipkins were among those who visited and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event today.
With over 1,000 exhibitors and a choice of around 50 food vendors to check out, there is practically almost everything for all, including children.
“Whether you are from in town or out in the country, a Fieldays veteran or visiting for the first time, Fieldays has something for everyone”, according to the organisers, and it turns out to be true year after year.
Fieldays is a remarkable showcase of agricultural trade, cutting-edge farming technology, innovative agricultural practices, education, and of course, entertainment at the same time. There are shiny new tractors, timeless classics, innovations, farming technology, forestry and sustainability hubs.
There is something for everyone- skill, speed, precision, strength and endurance competitions are all there.
Today’s events included tractor pull -introduced to Fieldays first in 1975, and fencing competitions wherein participants displayed their skills to outmatch opponents.
There is a family activation zone to keep children busy with rock climbing, safari train, obstacle course, mini dig activity, etc.
If health is your priority, you can get free health checks done at the Health & Wellbeing Hub.
Free gifts appeared to be in short supply this year, but some promotional prizes were up for grab. Stoney Creek NZ are offering heaps of prizes with a total value of over $70,000 for their ‘Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve’ promotion.
This year there is a People’s Choice Award for innovators. The innovator with the most votes will take home $2,000 cash prize from Fieldays, while one lucky voter will win a voucher for $500.
Orgaisers are encouraging visitors to catch a free bus to Fieldays from Hamilton Transport Centre, Cambridge BMX Club or Te Awamutu (i-SITE, Gorst Ave).
This four day event- from 12 to 15 June, is organised by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation founded in 1968 for the purpose of advancing the primary industries.
– from NewsViews
