First time entrant proves a charm

First time entry, Te Aroha, proved victorious in the 2011 Fieldays Big Little Town competition. Towns on the periphery of Hamilton celebrate the iconic agribusiness exhibition, the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, by competing in the community focused Fieldays Big Little Town competition.

Fieldays welcomes thousands of visitors to the Waikato area, with many people lodging in rural towns. By displaying their support for the event, they are also showcasing their small town charm and hospitality, welcoming and encouraging visitors to spend time in their big little town.

Six townships entered the competition, with over 100 stores participating in the popular window dressing section of the competition. This section of the competition asks retailers to merchandise their shop front in what they feel depicts the heart of Fieldays. Winners of the retail shop window dressing competition are;

Cambridge

1st           Cambridge Graphic and Print

2nd          Madisons

3rd           Ooby Ryn

Morrinsville

1st           Paperplus

2nd          Piako Post

3rd           Animal Health Centre

Raglan

1st           Soul Shoes

2nd          Lions Op-Shop

3rd           Skoot

Te Aroha

1st           Simply Blue – Te Aroha Fresh Fish and Deli

2nd          Piako Stationery

3rd           Ironique Café & Bar

Tirau

1st           La Trasor Bear

2nd          Tirau Country Store

3rd           The Carpenters Daughter

Tokoroa

1st           Bryan’s Plants and Flower Shop

2nd          Devine Detail

3rd           St Vincent de Paul Centre

Judging took place from the 7th-10th of June 2011 by Warwick Roberts, Ag Fieldays Chair, Andrew Taylor, New Zealand Fieldays Society and Helen Hicks.

Competition coordinator Adam Reinsfield was impressed by the towns entered in the competition and says, “I was blown away be the enthusiasm and that good old kiwi competitive spirit that shone through. The towns that entered, embraced the essence of Fieldays and viewing the windows a must see for all visitors to the region.”

Check out the community spirit and Fieldays fever in a big little town near you. The 2011 New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held from 15 to 18 June at Mystery Creek Events Centre, 10 minutes south of Hamilton. Developed by not for profit, the National Fieldays Society; the Fieldays event is proudly supported by strategic partners; ANZ and the University of Waikato.