The Horowhenua A&P Show is set to make its return to Levin next week, promising a vibrant weekend of rural sports, live entertainment, and community celebration. The four-day event will run from January 16 to January 19, 2025, at the Levin Showgrounds, bringing together competitors, families, and visitors from across the region.
One of the key attractions will be the dog trials on Saturday, January 18, starting at 7.30 am. Judge Stu Henson will oversee the trials, with worked lambs provided by Lakeview Farms in Levin. The trials will be run under the rules of the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association, drawing competitors from across the country.
The coveted R Mather Challenge Cup will be up for grabs in the Open class, a fiercely contested event that has been a highlight of the show for years. Last year’s winners, J Wilson and his dog Wally, will return to defend their title. The cup, originally donated by Rob Mather and recently re-donated by J Wilson, must be won three times to be claimed outright. The Open class winner will take home a $700 prize, along with a miniature trophy.
The competition will also feature Open Maiden and Local Maiden classes, with cash prizes on offer. Entry fees for the trials are set at $10, which covers all eligible classes. Chief steward Jason Barber says entries are welcome on the day, with special consideration given to competitors travelling from more than three hours away.
But the show is not just about rural sports. Entertainment will run throughout the weekend, with a mix of live music, family activities, and food trucks on site. Local favourites Gravel Trax will take the stage on Saturday, while Ainslie Allen will perform on Sunday. There will also be a Grand Parade on Saturday at 2 pm, and traditional wood chopping competitions will run on both weekend days.
For food lovers, the show will offer a wide selection of options, from classic Kiwi burgers to international street food. Popular vendors such as Dutchy’s Burgers, Eva’s Dumplings, and Ambo Coffee will be on hand to keep attendees well-fed.
Another crowd-pleaser is expected to be the pig section, featuring a variety of breeds, including Large White, Berkshire, and Saddleback. Visitors will have the chance to see sows with their piglets, a popular attraction for families with young children.
Horowhenua A&P Association President, David Wilson, says the event remains a staple of the district’s summer calendar and is a way to celebrate rural life and bring the community together.
“This show has been running for more than a century, and it’s part of the fabric of Levin. It’s an opportunity for people to connect, have fun, and experience some of the traditions that are at the heart of this community,” he said.
The Horowhenua A&P Show promises to be a memorable weekend, offering a taste of the region’s agricultural heritage while providing entertainment for all ages.