For more than 100 years Taranaki folk of all ages have flocked to the Stratford A&P showgrounds to enjoy the annual show and its wide range of attractions.
Last year 15,000 people came through the gates and next weekend a similar-sized crowd is expected.
Show secretary Christine Hughes starts planning iimmediately after the previous show finishes. "From February we really get into it. There's a lot to do to pull of show of this size together."
Christine is supported by a committee of about 20 and voluntary workers make the whole event possible.
The emphasis this year is on children and families. Peneloberry the clown will entertain, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Elmo will be mixing with the kids for photo opportunities.
A special area will feature children's games, including giant noughts and crosses, Jenga and Connect Four. Old-fashioned games like sack races and egg and spoon races will be run by local students.
The McDonald Farm Barn is a big attraction for youngsters. A huge array of animals will be on show, including many young animals that can be petted and handled.
The Stratford Community Childcare Centre will paint faces and Taranaki Kids Carts will have pony rides, while Stratford Scouts will run bamboo raft building, to give kids a chance to build a mini-raft and float it.
Country Show Kids, a variety/talent show for children, will be held on Saturday and Sunday between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Youngsters are encouraged to dress up in country garb and show off their talents.
To make life easy there will be free sunscreen and filtered water available, plus baby changing facilities and a sit-down area with a cup of tea for those needing a break.
A special guest that was a hit last year will be returning - Chelsea Marriner of Rotorua and her performing working dogs. Chelsea's Dogmatic trick dog team has entranced people of all ages all over the country and they have twice appeared on New Zealand's Got Talent.
As always there's an impressive line-up of livestock at the show. Exhibitors of dairy and beef cattle, horses and pigs are invited to compete against some of the country's top-bred animals for great prize money and recognition. For children there is a calf club section as well as a class for pet lambs.
Dog trials, a vintage farm machinery display, pig racing and wood chopping and sawing by the world-famous Taranaki Axemen's Association all add to the fun.
The show opens on Friday, November 28 with equestrian events and the gates open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30 from 9am to 4pm.