Welcome

Together with the small but incredibly dedicated committee, we’ve been busy planning what promises to be an unforgettable 110th Annual Lake Hayes A&P Show on Saturday, January 10, 2026.  I am so thrilled to be part of this very special event, organised by the community, for the community.

Along with our usual focus on the best of local agriculture, sheep and wool, home industries and equestrian, this year’s theme, ‘Paddock to Pantry’, will shine a spotlight on our local food – from the farmers and growers who produce it, to the delicious creations that fill our pantries (and tummies).  And to bring this theme to life, we’re excited to introduce the Lake Hayes Larder; a brand-new attraction to the show, with thanks to a new show partner, Duncan Cotteril Lawyers. The Lake Hayes Larder will be the ultimate foodie zone celebrating local artisan food and drink, including tasting stalls, interactive activities, special guests and live cooking demos. 

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our Principal Partner, Queenstown Airport. This is the fourth year they have supported the show and their generous support means we can bring back the hugely popular ‘Queenstown Airport Kids Zone,’ ensuring free, all-day entertainment and fun for children of all ages. We also extend our warm gratitude to our Platinum Partners, Royalburn, and Ayrburn, whose contributions help bring this show to life.

Sustainability remains a priority for us, with the goal of becoming a waste-free event. Thanks to the efforts of our community, we’ve reduced waste by 70% in the past two years, and we’re working hard to look for ways to keep improving on this.  As always, we encourage everyone to bring reusable cups and containers to help reduce our environmental footprint. 

You can expect all the usual competitions, over 70 trade stalls and all-day family entertainment, including the return of the crowd-favourite Hobby Horse competition. With exciting entries in the equestrian and livestock sections, and the Pavilion Bar offering a great view of the arena, there’s something for everyone.   All of this, against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Hayes.  It doesn’t get much better!

A huge thank you to our volunteers, partners, and committee for making this day possible. We can’t wait to welcome you to the show!

Kate Hamilton
President, Lake County A&P Society