Pets Day

Today we experienced a truly unique New Zealand event: Pets Day.

Primary schools all across the country set aside the day for a school fair with games, raffles, and most importantly, pet competitions.

Pets included lambs, goats, calves, rabbits, birds and even the occasional dog.

We landed positions as judges, but we didn't evaluate any of the animals. We judged flower arrangements and fruit and vegetable models such as this one.

Scandal erupted when it was discovered that one child received help from her parents and constructed her entry the night before the competition when it is specifically stated they must be put together at school (she was stripped of her prize).

Overall, the day was a lot of fun and a real glimpse into rural school life. We were honored when the principal announced over the loudspeaker that they had guest judges all the way from Colorado. Oriana, from Castlepoint Station, won first prize for her flower arrangement, and her lamb, Shrek, came in second in the grade 3 lamb competition. Steve even took home a chocolate bar for winning the gumboot tossing contest after a heated battle with two fathers. We were a little concerned there was going to be an international incident but all ended peacefully.

Thank you again, Emily and Anders for convincing us to stay for such an event!