Kumeu does its thing

TRADITIONAL FAVOURITE: Wood-chopping action from top axeman Jason Wynyard.

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A toast for another booming year for the Kumeu Show.

Thousands visited the 88th event, soaking up the experiences of country life.

Manager Beth Tolj says gate entries were up from last year for the magnificent show.

"The variety, quality and what you can buy is just getting so much better," she says. "I think the tradespeople are taking so much pride in making their stands look great."

The new vine and dine marquee, showcasing local wines and gourmet foods, went down a treat, especially with Riverhead celebrity-comedian Te Radar displaying his home-grown produce.

The new sheep-racing event also attracted plenty of laughs, with trained sheep ridden by fake dummy jockeys.

For the first time, an exotic animals encounter featured bearded dragon lizards, blue-tongued skinks and turtles – a contrast to the traditional farm animals. Tradiitonal activities and events spread over the 32-hectare Kumeu Showgrounds drew crowds, particularly to traditional favourites such as wood-chopping, shearing, the Wajax fire brigade competition, giant pumpkins, the great potato dig and animal competitions and exhibits.

- © Fairfax NZ News