This iconic event features the annual "Shepherds' Shemozzle" - a grueling race for Shepherds and their Huntaway dogs - along with many other competitions, events, activities and entertainment for all ages. They suggested a run like the Cardronna Shepherds run in South Island but it was quickly pointed out we dont have a mountain, but we do have a steep hill. The event evolved from there and since
then the country styled event has continued to grow and grow into what it is today and is the only event of its kind in the North Island - it is trademarked so no one else is permitted to use our name or style. It attracts between 2000 - 5000 visitors to our Festival every year. A family day filled with lots of entertainment and fun. You wont want to miss it, with every age group covered. For the young children we have two magic shows , as well as a bouncy castle. Children's Junior Shemozzle for ages 7 -9 years old has capacity for 100 competitors and entries sell out well in advance every year. Compete for your school. Prizes for first, second and third over the line. Children's Intermediate Shemozzle for ages 10-13 years old has capacity for 200 competitors and entries sell out well in advance every year. Compete for your school, as well in a team for the Interschool Challenge. Our Teen's Shemozzle is designed for ages 13 - 18 was held for the first time in 2013. As grueling as the Shepherds race, but no dog required. Again space for 100 competitors and sold out in its first year. Team up with school mates to form an Interschool team or enter your Teen Ag Club. The Shepherd's Shemozzle is the main race of the day catering for anyone aged 18 and over, where competitors do the full course with their Huntaway by their side and the first across the line with all the requirements of the race met, will win the prestigious title for the year as well as valuable top prizes. A race not to be missed! If you've got courage, stamina and the mental ability to do any of the Shemozzle's, entries open August 1st and can be done online from the website. All competitors to complete the race will receive a 'doggie bag' full of goodies and a Shemozzle t-shirt. After the Shemozzle races we have the Shearing Contractors Challenge in the marquee. A not to be missed speed shearing event with a twist. We also have fantastic shops in Hunterville perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping, food stalls, craft stalls and to finish the day off we have a marquee, bar and band for the evening. We hope to see you there! ABOUT
Hunterville was established in 1884. The village takes its name from George Hunter who walked from Wellington and placed a peg on the site. The village has a population of 440 according to the 2006 Census and services the numerous farms in the district many of which are still in the hands of the original settlers’ families. There are a number of shops in the village as well as two pubs, a café and the Hunterville & Districts Settlers Museum which is open on Friday afternoons or by arrangement and is well worth a visit. Have your photo taken on one of the sheep sculptures in Bruce Street, the main shopping street or by the Huntaway dog statue on State Highway One erected to celebrate the fact that Hunterville is known as “the Huntaway Capital of the World” boasting more Huntaway sheepdogs in the area than anywhere else. The Hunterville Huntaway Festival is a fun day and one not to be missed! Search and review accommodation around the festival on www.trivago.co.nz
http://shemozzle.co.nz/
