The Central Otago A&P Show was bathed in sunshine, much to the disappointment of the organisers and exhibitors.
''It's another great, sunny day ... but the majority of people here would rather it was pouring with rain,'' president Murray Kirk said as he opened the 118th show.
The effects of the drought on the region were starting to ''bite'' and the show organisers were grateful for the support of exhibitors in such a difficult season, he said.
''As the drought starts taking a toll, spending will decline and that will have a flow on effect to all businesses in Central Otago.
''We'd ask for you to support our trade exhibitors, who have played a role in ensuring the tradition of the show can continue.''
After the event, Mr Kirk said the show had attracted the biggest crowd and biggest number of trade exhibitors for many years, perhaps 20 years.
Gate takings were yet to be finalised ''but everyone's saying this is the biggest show they can remember for a long time.''
The committee wanted to highlight it being a Central Otago show, not just an Omakau event, and the committee's work focusing on entertainment for the whole family was clearly paying off, Mr Kirk said.
Equestrian entries had increased this year, to the extent that a second show jumping ring had been added.
The sheep, wool and home industries sections had also been well supported, Mr Kirk said. Woodchopping demonstrations had been added to the mix of entertainment and the cooking demonstration and shearing events proved popular.
