The Christchurch A&P Show has been resurrected in a downscaled and different format. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The new administrators of the Christchurch Show remain optimistic its slimmed down version of the show will be a success following a turbulent period for event leaders.
This year's show began on Thursday after it was initially cancelled in April as most of the Canterbury A&P Association's board claimed it did not have the funds to run a show.
A "scaled back" version of the show was confirmed after a $5 million deal was struck between the Christchurch City Council and the board.
The show was then resurrected - though in a downscaled and different format - by events management company Event Hire with most of the board replaced.
Organisers are hoping between 50,000-60,000 people will attend the show over the coming days. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Former Speaker of the House and Cabinet Minister Sir David Carter has since taken the reins of the board.
He told RNZ the response so far had been positive.
Carter said he was hopeful of 50,000-60,000 over the next three days, but indicated that those numbers could be eclipsed.
"It would be nice if we could," he said.
An obstacle for Carter and co appeared to be the elements with rain and showers forecast over the next three days.
"It has stopped raining (on Thursday)," he said.
"The people here at the moment seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
"We just have to wait and see what is delivered."
Canterbury A&P Association Board chair Sir David Carter. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Even operating on a smaller scale, simply getting to the start line was an accomplishment in itself, Carter said.
"When you consider I came on to the board 93 days ago, it's a remarkable turnaround that we've achieved with a very good, united general committee and board that has worked really well."
Proceedings include the traditional livestock competitions, with about 600 sheep entered.
"We've got beef cattle, we've got dairy cattle, we've got alpacas, so the animals are here," he said.
The aim for organisers was to incorporate the "traditional elements" of the A&P show, including stall holders, food vendors, competitions and amusement rides.
Some of the ingredients in getting a 2024 A&P Show off the ground was the personnel involved.
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Event management company Event Hire floated the idea of a scaled-back version of the show earlier this year.
The company's managing director, Phil Anderson, said they could not fathom the prospect of no A&P show.
"I mean we're involved in so many events and it just made us go 'no show on Cup and Show week, that seems so odd'," he said.
A lot of the vendors that worked with the company suggested to the company to get involved.
"It seemed crazy but then we put a proposal together and here we are," he said.
"It feels awesome."
The show has beef cattle, dairy cattle and alpacas. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
However, there was room for some innovation and fresh thinking.
Drone racing and lawnmower racing events have been introduced this year.
"Some of the live entertainment and other elements haven't been seen before," Anderson said.
"I can't wait to see the lawnmower racing."
Although several schools had a teacher-only day on Thursday, some opted for a field day to the show.
A group of school pupils RNZ spoke to said "food, animals, and more food" was the plan for the day.
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