Queenstown Airport was delighted to be the Red Ribbon Sponsor for the 2024 Lake Hayes A&P Show. A crowd of about 5,000 attended the show on Saturday (13 January).
“It was a picture-perfect day for the 108th show. The show is a long-standing event that reinforces community connections,” Queenstown Airport Partnerships and Marketing Manager Vanessa Hartnell says. “It offers something for everyone, young or old, and brings the town and country together. That’s something we are very proud to support.”
“We are lucky to have a spectacular setting –arguably the best in the country – for our annual show and for a day of exciting competition and fun.”
Lake County A&P Society President Kate Hamilton
“It was a pleasure to have TV personality and mental health advocate Matt Chisholm join us for the day and highlight the importance of mental wellbeing for our rural communities. It goes without saying that there have been some ups and downs in recent years and the committee agreed that a focus on connection and mental health was a good fit for this year’s show.
“It’s always a thrill to see the calibre of entries in our equestrian and sheep sections. Our new hobby-horse event was a hit at the 2023 show, and this year it was back bigger and bolder. There were plenty of laughs.
“There were bumper entries for the home industries section and some wonderfully creative entries. Special mention to Mayor Glyn Lewers and Mayoress Prue Watson for sampling more than 50 condiments and preserves as the judges for that section.
“We continued our efforts to become a waste-free event by 2025, working with the Queenstown Lakes District Council and DISHrupt. This saved 2,379 single-use plates, mugs and cups from landfill. We greatly appreciate the support of our vendors and the enthusiasm of those who attended by supporting the re-use system and bringing along reusable cups, water bottles and containers.”
“The show is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, who do this for love of our community. It was a fabulous day, bringing town and country together for some old-fashioned fun.”