Ashburton A&P

The Ashburton A & P Association was formed on 1 October 1877 when a meeting of farmers was held at the Somerset Hotel and its first show was held on November 15 1878 probably at Tinwald.

The first President was John Grigg of Longbeach who held the position for two years, photos of all the past Presidents of Ashburton A & P can be viewed in the A & P Lounge at the grounds and the minute books are in safe keeping at the Ashburton Museum.

In the 1920’s the show was a 2 day show during the week, later it became a 1 day show, then in the 1960’s became a day and a half, due to the number of horse entries then later a full two day show again.

The A & P in 1957 purchased and took over the old Ashburton Sale yards and extended the grounds towards the main road this gave the association valuable space which is well utilised at show time.

In the list of past Presidents a large number of family names keep turning up.

Up till sometime in the 1930’s a Winter Show was held in the Arcade in Ashburton. Over the years we have organised a lot of related agricultural events such as ploughing matches, prime stock sales at Tinwald sale yards and until recently the annual ram fairs.

Between 1942-1944 there were no shows held due to WW 2 and the grounds were used as an army camp.

The annual show takes place at the end of October the week following Labour Weekend at the Associations Showgrounds at Brucefield Avenue Ashburton where there are excellent facilities for the public to enjoy.

The show is run by a small hardworking committee helped by a large team of volunteers who work together in the week prior to the show.

As far as show attractions we have an excellent ring for horse events and enough space for exhibitors including a large Home Industries Pavilion which replaced one that was burnt down in 1989 by an arsonist.

A standard has been set and the Committees over the years have worked tirelessly to provide, what is now known as, one of the best two day shows in the South Island attracting entries from a wide area.