For 50 years, farmers, townies and rural hardware enthusiasts from around the country have flocked to Hamilton in the thousands to experience the three-day Fieldays festival.
Farmer Bill Johnson has never missed a single show since it began 50 years ago.
Back then, the event was a small "town and country" gathering with small farms and 35 horse power tractors.
"You could see it in two or three hours. Now, three days and you struggle," Mr Johnson said.
"The early days, it was like a small tent. Now, you've got huge, huge marques."
Mr Johnson grew up in Waikato, but now he's dairy farming all the way down in Southland.
However, his annual pilgrimage up to Hamilton is just part of the fun.
"Stay a night in Ashburton, a night in Blenheim or Picton, [an] early ferry crossing to Wellington and then drive to Te Awamutu."
While the seasons change and the technology gets more sophisticated, fashion is the one thing that's remained timeless.
"It's still the good-quality farm stuff that used to happen 50-odd years ago. We've got water proof-rated fabric, seam sealed, breathable.
"50 years ago, if you turned up in one of these, what do you think the boys would've said? Oh, they woulda called me a big wuss!"
When your legs are tired and the day is winding down, Mr Johnson said he knows how to end the day - a free coffee and a muffin.
"I haven't bought lunch for years."
Mr Johnson said he'll probably come again next year.
"Why not? Got to get a muffin, boy!"
SHARE ME