On October 1st, 1877 a meeting of farmers was held at the Somerset Hotel and the Ashburton A&P Association was formed. The first ever Ashburton A&P Show was held November 15, 1878 in Tinwald.

The first ever President was John Grigg of Longbeach, who held the position for two years. A few years later, the Secretary's show dog, Lou decided the minute book would be good to have a chew on, so this and all the other minute books are now in safe keeping at the Ashburton Museum. 

1906 saw the first Home Industries Pavilion and ladies toilets built with the original grandstand opening on 1912 by the Prime Minister at the time, William Massey. 

Up till sometime in the 1930’s a Winter Show was held in Ashburton's central town Arcade. Over the years the Ashburton A&P Association has organised many other agricultural events such as ploughing matches, prime stock sales and annual ram fairs.

The show has not always run for two days, it was reduced to one day just after the war, and between 1942-1944 there were no shows held due to WW2 and the grounds were used as an army camp.
In the 1960’s the Show became a day and a half, due to the number of horse entries then later back to the full two day show again. 

In 1957 the Association purchased the old Ashburton Sale yards and extended the grounds towards the main road in Tinwald, giving the Show more space.

The Ashburton Show hasn't always been held over a weekend or at the same time of the year, but now it is permanently held the Friday and Saturday after every Labour weekend, in it's new site in Netherby and is run by a large committee, meeting every month and  helped by a team of volunteers who help the different events and competitions run smoothly.
 
The Ashburton Show is well known for it's excellent ring for horse events and ample space for exhibitors including a large Home Industries Pavilion which replaced the one that was burnt down in 1989.

A standard has been set and the committees over the years have worked tirelessly to provide one of the best agricultural shows in the South Island, attracting entries nationwide.

Numerous developments over the years has seen the current site grow to a functioning, well laid out venue for the show and other events, and in 1974, the Mid Canterbury Rugby Union started leasing the grounds and continues to use the space, just recently placing purpose built clubrooms on the property.

2027 will see the 150th Show come to life, there is a team of dedicated people already planning this, with events and competition, to celebrate this wonderful piece of the county's history since 1877.