“The [event] is the largest regional field days in New Zealand and this year we are celebrating our 21st birthday which makes it even more special,” says Cheryl Riddell.
“The field days are a premium marketing opportunity and we have a great line-up of exhibitors and competitors returning.”
At least 38,000 people are said to have attended this year’s event and Riddell hopes with the event celebrating 21 years in 2014, plus a growing list of exhibitions, the number will rise. Many old favourites are returning and some new attractions will appeal to farmers and rural townies.
“Re-bookings are going well; 75% of previous exhibitors are already on board and with just over four months to go, I am sure spaces will continue to fill fast.”
Massey University will sponsor the Massey University Agriculture Pavilion. Husqvarna will sponsor the wood chopping arena.
Wood chopping has always been a crowd pleaser with young and old says former wood chopper Gordon Brooker who, with wife Carol, were the event coordinators. And they may be again, he says, but he’s not sure.
“Carol and I with assistance from members of the Taranaki Axemen Club organised the wood chopping competition during the 18 years Husqvarna sponsored it.”
He also says the Husqvarna Wood Chopping event has always enjoyed support from local businesses and the wider community and hopes that support will continue.
“We are currently looking for sponsors for the wood. We need about 500 chopping blocks for the competition and if there are any farmers or lifestylers out there who may have pine or poplar trees they want to get rid of, we would like to hear from them.”
Brooker says trees can be pruned or unpruned and must be at least 250mm in diameter.
“Central Districts Field Days is a great event for Feilding and the greater Manawatu and the wood chopping has been a big part of this. It has always been a popular attraction and I believe the crowds will continue to flock to it.
“We often had 1000 people in the crowd watching the competition and it is the one place at field days people can sit down to watch and relax,” Brooker says.
No chainsaws – just old-fashioned wood chopping with 12 competitors cutting at one time.
To sponsor the wood chopping or donate trees, call Gordon Brooker 0274 430698.
