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He says organisers have taken onboard feedback from visitors and are changing things for the 2021 event.

One major change is a bigger market area for vendors to display and sell their stuff.

Phillips says a slight decline in numbers over the years has been a concern.

“People told us that it was the same old things, so we are trying to make some changes,” he told Rural News.

The market area had 20 confirmed exhibitors at the end of last month (January) with more bookings expected in the weeks leading up to the event.

“The market area is shaping up to be fabulous with lots of different market-type exhibitors lining up,” he says.

Other highlights include tractor pull, for which Phillips is urging more entries, food stalls, stronghold cutting horse demonstrations and for the first time, a US-style barbecue competition.

Caro’s Crazy Critter Animal Farm will be around to mingle with the crowd and Chelsea Marriner of Ultimate Canines will be demonstrating her dog training skills, with two demonstrations planned each day.

Phillips says public support is crucial for the event.

He points out that the Northland Field Days is run by a group of about 15 volunteers and only one paid staff member. Profits from the event are ploughed back into community projects and charities in the Northland region.

Phillips thanked the exhibitors – including tractor dealers, car companies, milk machine suppliers and farming implement manufacturers – for their continued support.

“All sponsors and exhibitors are part and parcel of the event…without them there’s no field days.

“We urge everyone to come along and support all the exhibitors.”

Phillips says during planning the for the 2021 event, they were unsure of how it will pan out – given the uncertainty around Covid-19.

“But we are pleased to be able to say that the majority of our exhibitors from 2020 are returning this year and we also have plenty of new exhibitors coming as well,” he says.

“Obviously, there are some businesses that have not been able to recover from the effects of 2020 so they will not be attending this year’s event.

“But the Northland Field Days hopes that in time, they will re-build their businesses and will return to exhibiting.”