SIAFD knocks it out of the park!
While the temperature was struggling to reach about 5 degrees and the horizontal hail had enough grunt to slice cheese, the SIAFD committee knocked it out of the park by delivering another great event.
After 32 years on the former site near Lincoln University – a less-than-ideal triangle shape – the event has its own large place in Courtenay Road, Kirwee. The site’s rectangle shape is better to work in – none of the overlooked sites some exhibitors had to occupy, say the organisers.
The event will run March 25-27, 8am to 5pm. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy will do opening honours on the Wednesday.
Usually about 25,000 visitors attend, but the organisers hope the larger site and new location will draw more.
‘Live’ machinery is, of course, the main attraction, notably a ‘Tractor Shoot Out’ – 120-150hp machines doing tests and practical tasks such as hooking up equipment. Kiwi and Australian judges will officiate and assess cab comfort and layout.
A world-first is the ‘Battle of the Bangers’, featuring New Zealand-made postdrivers thumping in posts – a grand spectacle.
Rural News Group will sponsor a $250 prize for the best large site, and the SIAFD committee will donate a $250 prize for the best small site.
A $1000 prize will be awarded for the best-run demonstration and commentary, and the Agri-Innovation awards are expected to attract high calibre entries.
Tickets cost $15 per adult per day, youngsters under 15 free. No dogs except guide dogs.
Easier to get on, off site
Traffic from the south will turn into Telegraph Road before Burnham and then into Courtenay Road. Traffic coming from Christchurch and Darfield will head towards Kirwee and follow the signs to the site on Courtenay Road.
There are two vehicle entry-exit points onto the site. The layout minimises walking from the carpark to each of the four entrance gates. There is no separate exhibitors’ carpark; no vehicles will be allowed on site during the event.
