Gate-takings on Friday and Saturday were well up for the third show held in February instead of the usual November.
Show president Kelvin Wilson said gate-takings for the Friday night carnival were about 25% better than last year's and for the main show day on Saturday takings were up about 40%.
He put that down to several factors, including the weather.
Last year it was cold and showery, but on Saturday it was fine, with temperatures in the low 20's.
"There was also a lot more to see and do," he said, "and I think people are getting more used to the February date."
That was reflected in the record number of trade space bookings - more than 100 - and better entries than in previous years, along with more activities.
Throughout Saturday there were a large numbers of people arriving and departing.
One of the big attractions on Friday night was the inaugural Otago Daily Times "Miss Show Sheila" drag queen contest.
Six Oamaru celebrities had the crowd roaring with laughter as they went through interviews, dances and other performances.
Oamaru police constable Ross Lory, as Lottie van Dyke, stole the hearts of the crowd and won the contest by gaining the most applause.
The contest raised about $1500 for the Cancer Society.
The show princess title went to Hayley Scott, with Brittany Jones runner-up.
Nicola Fisher was judged Miss Personality.
Show celebrity Levi Vaoga, New Zealand's strongest man and the face of Mitre 10 Mega advertisements on television, was also a big drawcard, many people lining up for autographs and photographs.
One of his biggest fans was namesake Levi Heffernan (3), of Weston, who turned up dressed in a Mega vest with his similarly dressed pet lamb "Big Boy" for the pets fancy dress competition.
Children were also attracted to the Vetlife stand, voted most popular, because of the young animals.
The tent where the SPCA, cage birds and rabbits and pigs were housed also proved popular.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the show was a focus for the whole community, a "healthy enterprise" between town and country.
It had grown into a major family event and the variety and energy of this year's show was a credit to the organisers.
"It's a tremendous show - something that has gone on for 147 years and which we can all take pride in," he said.
