Wallets closed at Field Days' opening

SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard

SHARP SHOOTER: Sheree Taylor from Te Aroha puts her back in to the Jack and Jill Sawing contest at the Central Districts Field Days.

Lots of lookers but not much money changing hands was the consensus among exhibitors at the first day of Central Districts Field Days at Manfeild Park yesterday.

On an overcast day,with a little chill in the air, there were plenty of orange and blue plastic walking poles being used, but not many shopping bags being carried around or cheque books opened.

Thursday is the traditional day farmers make the pilgrimage to the three-day event to check out the stands and see what is new in the rural sector.

Yesterday it appeared there was more catching up than spending up happening.

Jane Ellison from Rural Fuel said that the team had been busy with inquiries and some purchases had been made.

"Talking to a few people, it seems that only essential purchases are going on," she said.

The company's guest, Colin Meads, may also have helped bring customers to the stand.

The veteran All Black was kept busy talking to fans young and not so young and the conversations ranged from the state of play to gardening hints.

Across the park axe throwers got busy entertaining the crowd and there was a long queue at the food concession stands, including a lengthy wait for coffee.

Event manager Cheryl Riddell says that the show is bigger this year with almost 500 exhibitors, 92 of them first timers at CD Field Days.

"The phone has been ringing hot since November and after the Fonterra announcement," Mrs Riddell said.

Attendance was very satisfactory with more than the normal number of senior citizens attending.

"We have had to go out and get more more senior citizens passes, which is unusual but great."

Draw cards to the event this year is the tractor pull event, being showcased for the first time, and a chance to view and buy RM Williams clothing.

CD Field Days is on today and tomorrow at Manfeild Park, Feilding from 8.30 to 4.30pm today and until 4pm tomorrow.

Admission prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors.

Children under 16 are free if accompanied by an adult.

- © Fairfax NZ News