Exhibitors, competitors and organisers have volunteered thousands of hours in preparation for the 152nd Canterbury A&P Show which begins today.
Organisers are expecting 100,000 people to attend the three-day show, in Christchurch.
Nikita Sommerfield, right, and friend get their animals ready for the opening day. Photo: RNZ / Nicola Grigg
This year's event has attracted more than 6000 livestock and feature competition entries, including over 3500 in equestrian events.
More than 500 volunteers, about 200 judges and 250 stewards have contributed nearly 20,000 hours of voluntary service to get the show up and running.
Organiser Geoff Bone said over the next three days the ferris wheel will make about 2500 loops, 1200 whitebait sandwiches will be consumed, and over $13 million is expected to be pumped into the region's economy.
The Canterbury A&P Show also includes more than 500 trade exhibits - and it's not just farmers keen to sell their wares.
Post-quake Christchurch has generated a new wave of exhibitors, with hundreds of city-based retailers wanting to get in front of the crowds. Mr Bone said exhibitor numbers are up about 8 percent this year.
A crowd of about 25,000 is expected today, about 35, 000 tomorrow, and up to 80,000 on Friday. Organisers hope they will top the 196,000 tickets sold last year, which generated $13.5 million.
The show has attracted more than 6000 livestock and feature competition entries. Photo: RNZ / Nicola Grigg