By Amanda Durry

The Mayfield A&P Show has been and gone for another year but what a great tradition.

As a kid, growing up in a town like Ashburton meant show days were all about dressing up, having the hair done well and heading off to the show with all the family in tow.

It's the kind of stuff memories are made of.

Whether they're good memories, or not so good memories, show day is all about variety and having plenty to do. And it seems they just keep growing.

This year, the Mayfield show grew to include some down and dirty goat milking and motorbikes gone wild, but the old favourites are still always the winners.

Jams, cakes, flowers and artistic entries always attract plenty to the produce tent, while classic competitions like best goats, sheep, donkeys and horses always attract the cream of the crop.

Organisers say it's a day for people of all ages and that's never been truer.

Kids were entertained by face painting, balloon tying, magic shows and an Eartag in the Haystack competition, while adults could take a punt on the pig racing, check out the many stalls on offer, watch displays and sing along to live music.

Not to mention the usual array of carnival food – candy floss, snow cones, hot dogs and ice creams; need I say more?

Admittedly, I haven't been to a show in a couple of years because of other commitments and I certainly don't have the new show day dress like years gone by, but the atmosphere shows create is hard to ignore.

Just looking through photos taken at this year's show is enough to prove that the spirit of the rural show is still as strong as ever.

Families out enjoying themselves, best friends buying matching hats and sunnies and it's great to see local identities like Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew and John Leadley donning the country attire, getting amongst it and having a go.

Another great thing to remember about the Mayfield show, is that it's a stepping stone to more in the future – more shows that is.

Next weekend, locals get to do it all over again if they choose, with the annual Methven Show also set to be a great day out for all.

So my advice? Get out there, get into it and who knows you might have fun!