It's 102 years since the first Matamata A&P show was held – but the war years and a polio epidemic caused the cancellation of two shows.

And so the Matamata A&P Association is celebrating its 100th show on Saturday, October 5, 2013, with a modern event which still holds true to the pioneers who founded the show.

Allan Smith, of the organising committee, who has sourced early history of the Matamata Agricultural and Pastoral Association, found that the first public meeting was on December 17, 1910, and the first show was on Thursday, March 30, 1911, at the Matamata Sale Yards.
Thereafter, shows were held on Saturdays in February or March until the 31st show on March 1, 1941.
Apart from the Jubilee Show, held 1936 and during the war years, there were no shows from 1942-1944 – but a gymkhana was held on March 4, 1944.
The 33rd show was a Victory Show in March 1946, while the 1948 Show was abandoned because of the polio epidemic.
In 1962, the show planned for February was cancelled due to cyclonic weather conditions but that same year the first Spring Show, held on October 13, was at the request of Jersey cattle breeders and other interested parties.
Spring Shows were held in subsequent years, including the 50th show in 1964 and the 70th show, held on October 13, 1984.
'All that history now brings us to the Centennial Show on Saturday, October 5, this year, which will be a grand affair,” says Allan.
The association now holds the show on private land at the property of 129 Station Rd, Matamata, which is located on the town boundary.
'The Matamata A&P Association is indebted to the generosity of Nelson Schick for kindly allowing the use of his land for our show day and also to farm manager Kevin Crawford. We have a great space to hold all our side shows, entertainment, trade stands and exhibitor sections from equestrian, dairy cattle and goats, calf club, pet lambs and kids and sheep dog trial,” says Allan.
'This year we have new amusements for all the family: boot camp challenge, skateboard slide, ferris wheel, hot rod and mini jeeps, laughing clowns, pony rides, entertainment, sheep racing and shearing show, face painting, country and western singing, magician and much more.
'Our sponsors get behind the show each year and we are very grateful for their support.”
The Matamata A&P Show is an annual event which brings the country to town, and entries for its events are open now with the closing date being Monday, September 16, 2013. Some events accept late entries on the day. The schedule is available by emailing: [email protected]